We are all feeling the cold weather that has gripped the country recently but some are more vulnerable to it than others. Below are some tips and advice about keeping warm in your home this winter. Also find out where you can get extra support to help keep you cosy.
:: Make sure you eat well‚ hot drinks and meals provide warmth and energy. Try to have at least one hot meal per day.
:: Exercise generates heat‚ helping you to keep warm. Try to do activities which will get your circulation going‚ this can include household chores such as cleaning.
:: Wrapping up warmly is crucial both indoors and out. Several layers of thin clothing will keep you warm by trapping air between them.
:: It is important to keep your bedroom and living room warm. The recommended room temperature is 21°C. If the temp falls below 16°C there is a risk of hypothermia.
:: Look into energy saving methods to keep your house warm and cut down on your heating bills.
Age Concern is the UK's largest charity which looks out for the welfare of elderly people. You can call its national helpline 0800 00 99 66 or visit the website for more advice.
There is also a national campaign dedicated to reducing cold-related illness and deaths during winter months. The Keep Warm Keep Well website provides free information and advice about how to stay well in winter by keeping warm, what financial support is available and how to get insulation for your home.
You'll also be able to download guides for families, the over 60s and those with long-term health conditions or a disability.
But if your struggling to keep up with cost of your winter bills there may be help at hand.
You can call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 if you’re worried about paying your heating bills or need some easy to understand advice on how to save energy.
The Government alos provide help to those who are hit hardest by the cost of heating their home during bad weather.
For those who qualify, this extra support includes:
