KEEP WARM, KEEP WELL!!
Keeping warm over the winter months can help prevent colds, flu or more serious health conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.
The chances of these problems are higher if you're vulnerable to cold-related illnesses because of one or more of the following:
- you’re over 65
- you’re on a low income (so can’t afford heating)
- you have a long-term health condition, such as heart, lung or kidney disease
- you are disabled
- 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 18C. It is a good idea to keep your bedroom at this temperature all night if you can. During the day you may prefer your living room to be slightly warmer. Make sure you wear enough clothes to stay warm. - If you’re under 65 and healthy and active, you can safely have your house cooler than 18C, if you are comfortable.
- You can also use a hot water bottle or electric blanket (but not both at the same time!) to keep warm while you are in bed.
- If you have reduced mobility, are 65 or over, or have a health condition such as heart or lung
- Eat well in winter
- Food is a vital source of energy, which helps keep your body warm. Try to make sure that you
have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day and keep active in the home if you can.
- Food is a vital source of energy, which helps keep your body warm. Try to make sure that you
- Stay active
- We all know that exercise is good for your overall health – and it can 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.
- Wear warm clothes
- Wrap up warm, inside and out. Wear lots of thin layers – clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres are particularly good and help to maintain body heat. Consider wearing warm socks at night. Wear shoes with a good grip to prevent slips and falls when walking outside. If possible, stay inside during a cold period if you have heart or respiratory problems.
- Help your neighbours’ in winter
- Check on older neighbours or relatives to make sure they are safe and well. Make sure they are
warm enough, especially at night, and have stocks of food and medicines so they don’t need to go out during very cold weather.
- Check on older neighbours or relatives to make sure they are safe and well. Make sure they are
We run Seasonal Flu Vaccine Clinics from October to December – specific dates are available upon request.
If you are in an "At Risk Group", or wish to receive a flu vaccine then please contact us by telephone(09066-26644) or by email (info@cssdoctor.ie) to book into one of our many drop-in clinics from September to December. There is a charge of €20 for private patients wishing to get the flu vaccine.
Extract from http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/winterhealth/pages/keepwarmkeepwell.aspx