Cold weather alert
Wednesday December 7 - Friday December 16
The Met office are predicting severe cold weather and icy conditions between 18:00 on Wednesday 07 December and 09:00 on Friday 16 December in parts of England.
When cold weather strikes, it can have serious consequences for our health especially if already living with an ongoing health condition. As we get older it becomes harder for our bodies to detect how cold we are, and it takes longer to warm up which can be bad for our health.
For older people in particular, the longer the exposure to the cold, the higher the risk of serious consequences such as heart attacks and strokes become. If you live with an ongoing health condition, such as COPD, asthma or a heart condition, you have a higher risk of symptoms becoming worse when cold weather is about.
Then of course there is the risks of physical injuries from slips, trips and falls. All sounds quite depressing doesn't it! but there are simple things we can do to keep ourselves, and those close to us safe and well.
Over the next few days, ensure you are looking out for yourself, family, friends and neighbours who may be vulnerable to the cold. Checking in to run errands or see that they have access to warm food and drinks and are managing to heat their homes adequately, will go a long way to keeping us all physically and mentally well.
Key things to remember:
If you, or someone you know, are at a higher risk of cold-related illness or falls - reduce your exposure to cold or icy outdoor conditions and make sure you stay up to date with the latest weather forecasts on the Official Met Office website
Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18°C, particularly if you are not so mobile, have a long-term illness or are 65 or over. We know that this may be a struggle for some people, but there is help out there and we have compiled a wealth of useful national and local information to help people with heating their home and staying warm this winter. Visit our cost of living help page to find out what is available and please share it with people you are concerned about.
If you have a respiratory condition, cold air can tighten your airways making it harder for you to breathe. Make sure you are taking care of yourself by staying warm and active and ensuring you always have your medication with you. If you don't really understand your medication talk to your local community pharmacist to make sure you are using it properly. For more advice on managing your lung condition during winter, or how you can help someone you know living with a lung condition visit our respiratory page for hints and tips.
If you live with a heart condition, the colder weather can affect your circulation and put extra stress on your heart. As cold weather takes away your body heat, your heart needs to work harder to keep you warm causing your heart rate to rise and your blood vessels to narrow as it focuses on pumping blood to your brain and other major organs. When your heart is asked to work harder you are at more risk of complications. The British Heart Foundation can support you with information on how to stay well in cold weather.
If you do decide to head out you might want to wear a light scarf over your mouth and nose. Breathing through your nose will also help to warm the air as it passes into your body. Wearing several thin layers will help to keep you warm by trapping air and warming it next to your body. Always make sure your extremities (your hand, head and feet) are kept covered and toastie warm.
Lastly if you are planning to travel, always check the road and rail conditions. Consider having provisions with you, such as a flask of hot drink, some snacks and a blanket, just in case you are delayed.
For more support to stay well this winter including information and advice on vaccinations, knowing where to go if you are unwell and mental health support visit our winter wellness page.