17 December 2009
With temperatures set to plummet even further over the next few days and heavy snow predicted for tomorrow, chief nurse at Epsom, Sutton and St Helier hospitals is encouraging local people to do all they can to 'keep warm, keep well'.
'Keep warm, keep well' is a national campaign to reduce cold-related illness and deaths during the winter. The initiative offers practical information and advice about how to stay well in winter and what financial support is available.
Pippa Hart is the Trust's Director of Nursing and is in overall charge of the organisation's 2,500 nurses. She said: "Every winter in the UK, 25,000 - 30,000 deaths are linked to the cold weather. A large number of these are older people, but it can also affect younger people too, in particular those who suffer from long term illnesses, for instance asthma.
"We're all more likely to feel the chill in winter, but cold weather can lead to more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes or pneumonia. By staying warm, you can stay healthy and well.
"There are some very simple ways to keep your home warm, keep on top of your bills, and keep healthy. Some may seem obvious, but they really can help you stay warm throughout winter."
The top five tips for people to 'keep warm, keep well' are:
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Heat your home well - by setting your heating to the right temperature (between 18 - 21°C or 64 - 70°F), you can still keep your home warm and lower your bills. If you feel cold at night, use a hot water bottle or electric blanket - but never use both together.
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Get financial support - there are grants, benefits and sources of advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills. It's worthwhile claiming all of the benefits you are entitled to.
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Eat well - food is a vital source of energy, which helps to keep your body warm. Try to make sure you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day.
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Get a flu jab - you can get a free jab to protect against seasonal flu from your GP if you are over 65 or if you have a long-term health condition.
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Look after yourself and others - on cold days try to avoid going outside; however, if you do need to, remember to wrap up warm. If you have an older neighbour or relative, look out for them during winter to make sure they are safe and well.
Antony Tiernan is the Trust's Director of Communications and has personal experience of the dangers of cold weather. He said: "My mum, Ann, died in 2001. She had asthma and one night just before Christmas she went to collect some presents she had brought from her car, which was on the driveway of her house. It was a really frosty night and, sadly, the cold literally took her breath away. She had an asthma attack and died.
"It is really important that people look after themselves during the cold winter months and that we do as much as we can to keep a close eye on our friends, relatives and neighbours, especially if they are older or have long term illnesses.
"The 'keep warm, keep well' messages are very simple - I encourage everyone to read the leaflets or take a look at the website."
For more information about the 'keep warm, keep well' campaign, including dedicated guides for people over 60, people with disabilities or long term health conditions, and for families, visit http://keepwarmkeepwell.direct.gov.uk/index.html.
