Stay warm and stay healthy as chilly weather makes its mark

I think the weather in recent weeks has confirmed that we are firmly into winter, and we all will have noticed the drop in temperature.
Colder weather can impact everyone’s health, but groups that are more at risk include those aged 65 and older, babies and children under the age of 5, people on low income (who may struggle to pay their utility bills) and those with a long-term health condition.
In my role as an acute physician, every winter I see older people admitted to hospital with hypothermia from their own home. All of us as we age, have less muscle, this is more marked in people with some health conditions. Our muscle produces 85% of our body heat, and this means it is particularly important for older people to take care to stay warm as they are at higher risk of developing hypothermia.
We need to heat our homes (especially the rooms that we use) to at least 18°C (65°F). Keeping windows and doors closed as much as possible will help reduce the amount of heat escaping our homes. Breathing cold air can make some lung conditions, for example asthma, more troubesome.
Wearing lots of thin layers will help maintain body heat, with several layers helping to trap warm air better than just one bulky layer.
I know that it can be harder for people to find the motivation to exercise on colder, darker days, but if you are able to stay active this will help you stay warm. If you’re at home, try to move around at least once an hour.
There are lots of other ways we can keep ourselves well. The COVID-19 and flu vaccinations are safe and effective ways to protect ourselves from two common respiratory illnesses. Only certain groups are eligible this winter and you can find out more and book an appointment on the NHS website.
If you do feel unwell then support is available, and it’s especially important to seek help if you’re in one of the more at-risk groups. Pharmacies are a great source of treatment advice for a range of minor illnesses, and you may be able to contact your GP practice over the phone or online to describe your symptoms.
If you need help but you’re not sure what to do, NHS 111 is a great resource that should be your first point of contact before visiting a minor injuries unit or an emergency department. Call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk
We should all be checking in on vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours over winter as they may need some extra help. Cold weather can stop people from wanting to leave the house so checking if they need any food or basic necessities may be helpful. Ask them if they are feeling unwell and encourage or support them to access help and advice.
With the cost of living crisis that we have experienced over the last couple of years, many people’s incomes are stretched more than previous years. Families may be making difficult decisions on where they spend their money and we know that some people are reducing how much they heat their homes.
It is important that we don’t let this negatively affect our health, and support is available for people who are struggling to pay their energy bills. The Citizens Advice website has a really useful page of resources on some of the grants and benefits available, including information on fuel vouchers, the Priority Services Register, national and local grants available and the Warm Home Discount.