With temperatures set to drop over the coming days the local NHS is reminding people that wintry weather can make some health problems worse and even lead to serious complications for people with a long-term health condition.

Follow these tips to keep you and your family warm and well at home:

  • if you’re not very mobile, are 65 or over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease, heat your home to at least 18C
  • keep your bedroom at 18C all night if you can – and keep bedroom window closed
  • if you’re under 65, healthy and active, you can safely have your home cooler than 18C, as long as you’re comfortable
  • use a hot water bottle or electric blanket to keep warm in bed – but do not use both at the same time
  • have at least 1 hot meal a day – eating regularly helps keep you warm
  • have hot drinks regularly
  • to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), babies should sleep in rooms heated to between 16C and 20C
  • draw curtains at dusk and keep doors closed to block out draughts
  • get your heating system checked regularly by a qualified professional.

As well as looking after yourself it is important to look in on vulnerable neighbours and relatives. If you’re concerned for a person’s health or worried they may have hypothermia, contact NHS 111.

Following the recent spell of bad weather, there may be standing water locally which – due to the cold conditions – may turn to ice, so please be careful if you are outside.

Be prepared for cold weather by keeping an eye on the forecast – visit www.metoffice.gov.uk for the latest updates.

Little things make a big difference.

By encouraging everyone to ‘Give a Little’ we can spread kindness, make connections and offer support that makes a big difference.

  • donate to a food bank
  • volunteer locally
  • check in with friends
  • support relatives and friends to leave hospital
  • be kind to others
  • offer to help out
  • buy a coffee for someone in need

There are lots of local services ready to support you over cold weather, find out more via helpandkindness.co.uk.