Winter conditions can be
seriously bad for our health,
especially for people aged
65 or over, and people with longterm
health conditions.

It sounds obvious, but one of the best
ways of keeping yourself well during
winter is to stay warm. Keeping
warm can help prevent colds, flu or
more serious health conditions such
as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia
and depression.

Make sure you keep your home
warm. If you have reduced mobility,
are 65 or over or have a health
condition such as heart or lung
disease, you should heat your home
to at least 18°C.

And it is a good idea to keep your
bedroom at this temperature all night
if you can. You can also use a hot
water bottle or electric blanket (but
not at the same time) to keep warm
while you are in bed.

During the day you, may prefer your
living room to be slightly warmer.
But if you are under 65 and healthy
and active, you can safely have your
house cooler than 18°C if you are
comfortable.

Food is a vital source of energy, which helps
keep your body warm, so try to make sure you
have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout
the day.

Staying active can also keep you warm in
winter. If you can stay active, even moderate
exercise can bring health benefits. If possible,
try not to sit still for more than an hour or so.
Remember to speak to your GP before starting
any exercise plan.

Make sure you wear enough clothes to stay
warm, both inside and out. Make sure you wear
shoes with a good grip to prevent slips and falls
when walking outside. And, if possible, stay
inside during a cold period if you have heart or
respiratory problems.

For more advice, visit www.nhs.uk/staywell -
remember, cold weather doesn’t have to go
hand in hand with illness