Top Tips for Keeping Warm

Living in Britain certainly means we are all used to dealing with the cold weather. When the windy, rainy and icy conditions start to become more commonplace, it is essential that we start to consider how we equip ourselves for colder weather

The cold can have a strong impact on the health of people of all ages, with most people exhibiting cold and flu-like symptoms at some point, but it can be particularly dangerous for people over the age of 65 who struggle more than most to retain a healthy body temperature. It is therefore important that you look after yourself and keep an eye out for others who may be more susceptible to the colder conditions.

According to AgeUK, around 25,000 older people died in each of the previous 3 years as a result of health problems associated to the cold weather. What is worst is that most of these deaths could have been prevented if they had simply kept warm.

Here are some top tips of keeping warm as the winter weather draws in:

Put the heating on

Don’t be scared off by the cost of heating. If the weather is cold then turn your heating on. At the end of the day it isn’t worth risking your long-term health for the sake of a few pounds.

If you are worried about high gas bills and you have an older boiler model it may be worth considering moving towards a more modern high efficiency boiler, as this could reduce your monthly heating bills by up to 30% in some cases. Shop around online for one of the many cheap boilers available at lower prices. It is also recommended that you have your boiler serviced annually to ensure it is working as expected and safely. If your heating fails to work during a time of cold weather get a heating engineer out immediately to try and fix it and make sure you have somewhere to stay for the duration it takes to fix it.

Feed a cold…

Make sure that you continue to eat meals at regular intervals throughout the day. This is particularly important during colder weather as your body will need to fuel itself to keep you warm.

To be honest there isn’t much better than a nice warm bowl of soup in the cold weather, so take advantage of it!

Layer up

Don’t try and stave off the cold for longer than necessary. It sounds simple but many people try and embrace the cold weather rather than adapt to it.

Make sure you dress appropriately for the weather as once you catch a cold they can be tough to shake off. Try wearing multiple layers of clothing or wrapping up in a nice woolly jumper or fleece. Always make sure you wear a coat and appropriate footwear if venturing out in the rain and consider using a blanket in the evening for that extra level of warmth.

Insulate your home

If you are paying to have your heating on then it makes sense to maximise that warmth. Make sure that your home is appropriately insulated so that the heat doesn’t escape.

Keep windows shut and shut curtains so that you avoid nasty draughts of cold air. If you have a conservatory then it is also worth considering investing in some blinds that will contribute towards keeping the warmth in your home. Consider keeping doors shut if there are rooms that seem to particularly feel the cold over others.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Probably the most important tip I have listed here. It is vital that if you need any help that you speak to those around you. Your friends and family will no doubt be more than happy to assist you, whether it be dropping off shopping in cold weather or assisting you with any basic central heating queries you may have.

It’s also worth keeping an eye on others that you think may need support to. A phone call now and then to check that vulnerable people are doing over in the colder weather can go a long way and in some cases save lives.

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