Keeping, warm, safe and well throughout winter is possible if you know how. Here’s some tips and please also be a good neighbour and look out for elderly or vulnerable people who may need some extra help.
Keeping healthy
Having a flu jab, eating well, keeping moving and keeping warm will all help you get through winter but please don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
Make sure you have this year’s flu jab if you’re over 65 or under 65 and have a serious health condition such as diabetes, a chronic heart, lung, kidney or liver problem, have Parkinson’s or have had a stroke. Ask your GP’s advice.
Flu viruses change ever year so you need to keep up to date with the latest vaccine. Flu can make you feel dreadful and can also develop into pneumonia which could land you in hospital.
Order repeat prescriptions in plenty of time so you don’t run out, particular if bad weather is forecast. Keep simple cold, flu and sore throat remedies in the house Your pharmacist can advise on managing simple illnesses or you can call the NHS Direct 24-hour helpline for advice on 0845 4647. Please remember accident and emergency is only for accidents and emergencies; see your GP for minor illnesses.
Eat well
Hot food and drinks help keep you warm, while a good range of healthy foods, including five portions of fruit and vegetables every day, will keep you healthy.
Keep a range of basic foods and frozen vegetables which are just as good as fresh in the house in case it’s too cold or icy to go out safely. Look out for neighbours who might need some shopping picking up or don’t be afraid to ask friends, neighbours or carers for help.
Stay positive
It’s not surprising we get the winter blues when it’s cold, dark and miserable so try to stay positive by planning to do something you enjoy every day, get out and about as much as you can and keep up your interests and hobbies.
If you can’t get out for a day or two because of bad weather try to talk to family or friends by phone or email but if your low mood carries on for more than a week or two, talk to friends, family or get advice from your GP.
Keep your house warm
If you’re worried about heating costs, check that that you’re receiving all the benefits you are entitled to – it could make a big difference.
You can call the Home Heat Helpline free on 0800 33 66 99 or see their website www.homeheathelpline.org.uk to get advice if you’re having difficulty paying your fuel bills. It has advice on cheaper payment schemes, advice on grants to insulate your home and information about benefits.
You can also get benefits advice from the citizen’s advice bureau, Age Concern, or JobCentre Plus.
Keep one room warm and keep moving about – get up and walk round every hour to keep warm and keep yourself mobile. Wriggle your arms and legs or do exercises in your chair if moving is difficult.
Close curtains and fit thermal linings to them if you can to keep heat in. Make sure they’re not blocking the heat from radiators
Dress to keep warm
Most of our body heat is lost through our heads, so always wear a hat if you go out in cold weather. Several thin layers will trap warm air between them and keep you warmer than one big thick jumper and choose shoes or boots with thick, non slip soles if ice and snow are forecast.
Icy conditions
Blackburn with Darwen Council cannot grit every single road or pavement in the borough or provide a salt bin on every street corner for practical and economic reasons. Eight main routes and three high level routes are kept clear and gritted and salt bins have been placed around the borough at priority locations. Please remember salt in salt bins is for use on roads and pavements, not for use on private drives.
You can find out more, including a map of the gritting routes at www.blackburn.gov.uk and or www.facebook.com/BWDWinter where the Council posts updates about weather warnings and gritting.
-
Check your water stopcock is working properly.
-
Have your electric blanket serviced – this should be done at least every three years.
-
Make sure your smoke alarm is working.
-
Be sure you have some warm shoes or boots with non-slip soles.
-
Keep a mixture of salt and sand handy to put on steps or paths in icy weather.
-
If you smoke, think about trying to stop.
Chilblains
Chilblains are itchy, red swellings that occur when your skin gets cold and you try to warm up too quickly, often by sitting close to the radiator. Your feet, fingers, nose and earlobes are particularly vulnerable.
You may also be susceptible to chilblains if you have circulation problems. Dab the swellings with calamine or witch hazel to reduce itching, but don’t scratch them as this could cause an infection. To help prevent chilblains, keep your whole body warm at all times.
Speak to your pharmacist for advice on treating chilblains and to your GP if you get them regularly or have diabetes.
Keep your spirits up
It’s not unusual to feel a bit down in winter - particularly when the days are short and it gets dark by 4pm. Try to keep to your usual routines and, if you can’t visit friends, make sure you phone them regularly for a chat. It helps to do something you enjoy every day. If you feel down for several weeks and it’s stopping you going out, making you feel listless and lacking in energy, it’s very important to share these feelings with someone, perhaps a friend or your GP.
Several thin layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thick layer, as the layers trap warm air. Clothes made from wool, cotton and fleecy synthetic fibres are a good choice. Start with thermal underwear, warm tights or socks, and always wear gloves and a hat when you go out.
If you are sitting down, a shawl or blanket will provide a lot of warmth. Try to keep your feet up, as the air is cooler at ground level.
Wear warm clothes in bed. When very cold, wear thermal underwear, bed socks and even a hat – a lot of heat is lost through your head!
Use a hot-water bottle or an electric blanket to warm the bed, but never use the two together as this can be very dangerous. Check whether your electric blanket can bekept on all night or whether it is only designed to warm the bed before you get in. Get it checked every three years.
If you have any continence difficulties, talk to your doctor before using one.
Don’t sit or stand outside for long periods, as you’ll quickly get cold.
Choose boots with non-slip soles and a warm lining or wear thermal socks. This keeps your feet warm and keeps you safe if the ground is slippery.
Keep steps and paths free of ice. Sprinkle them with a mixture of salt and sand if the ground is icy.
Consider fitting a grab rail if you have several steps at your front or back door. Ask your local Age UK/Age Concern for more information.
Check local news and weather forecasts for advice when bad weather is forecast, or visit the Met Office website at www.metoffice.gov.uk
Most of us spend a lot of time indoors in winter, so it’s important that you are comfortable and safe.
The recommended temperature for rooms you use during the day is 21°C (70°F), but you might be more comfortable heating your rooms at a higher temperature. It’s so important to keep warm as you are at risk of hypothermia if you’re exposed to a cold environment for a long time, or to extreme cold for only a short time.
Get to know how the timer and thermostat on your heating system work. If it’s very cold, set the timer to switch the heating on earlier rather than turning the thermostat up to warm your house quickly.
Close the curtains and fit thermal linings if you can. This will keep the heat in.
Put guards on open fires, and be careful not to hang washing too close to the fire.
Don’t block up air vents as fires and heaters need ventilation. Good ventilation also helps to prevent condensation.
