WINTER WARMTH INFORMATION
To keep well this winter, it is essential to keep yourself and your home warm. As the weather gets colder, we are all more likely to catch colds or flu. The cold weather can also cause other serious health problems such as heart attacks, stroke and pneumonia. This is especially true for older people, and those with chronic disease or a physical disability. This means it is essential to keep warm and follow as healthy a lifestyle as possible this winter. What you eat and drink, and the exercise you take, can make a big difference. As part of keeping well, it’s vital to keep your home warm and dress warmly when you go out.
TIPS ON KEEPING WARM AND WELL
1. Insulate your home
Fit draught proofing, insulate your walls and attic space. Grants are available from the Warm Front Scheme and your energy supplier – check whether you are eligible.
2. Update and improve your heating system
Grants are available from the Warm Front Scheme for installing efficient and modern forms of central heating. Again, check whether you are eligible.
3. Get financial support
The Pension Service, the Warm Front Scheme and the Home Heat Helpline offer advice to increase energy efficiency and reduce fuel bills. You should make sure you claim all the benefits you are entitled to.
4. Heat well
Try to keep a temperature of 21ºC (70ºF) in the main rooms you use during the day; your bedroom should be kept above 18 degrees. Use a hot water bottle or electric blanket (not both for safety reasons) if your bedroom is cold at night.
5. Dress well
Wear plenty of layers and put on a good coat, hat, scarf and gloves when you go outside to help you keep warm.
6. Eat well
Food is a vital source of warmth, so try to have regular hot meals and drinks throughout the day.
7. Keep moving
Moving around is good for your health and generates extra body heat, so any exercise or activity will help keep you warm. If possible, try and move around at least once an hour.
8. Stop smoking
Stopping smoking will boost your health for the winter, reduce your chances of a heart attack and improve your body’s circulation. You're never too old to quit and the benefits are numerous. Call the NHS Stop Smoking Helpline free on 0800 169 0169 or the West Sussex NHS Stop Smoking Service helpline on 01903 708000
9. Get a flu jab
This is available free from your GP if you are 65 or over, or if you have a serious respiratory condition, heart, kidney or liver disease, diabetes or lowered immunity, or if you have had a stroke.
10. Stay safe, look out for neighbours
Get your heating system serviced and your chimney swept every year – be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and protect yourself against them. If you have an older neighbour or relative, keep an eye out for them in the winter months and make sure they are safe and well.
Help is just a phone call away - call 0800 072 0151
The Warm Front Scheme gives grants worth up to £2,700 to make homes warmer and more energy efficient. You may qualify if you own your own home or rent it from a private landlord, and you receive a disability benefit or an income related benefit – like Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit or Council Tax Benefit, among others. The scheme offers energy-efficiency advice, two free energy-efficient light bulbs and a package of insulation and heating improvements, which are tailored to each home. These improvements can include installing or repairing gas, electric or oil central heating.
Demand for the grants has been high, so don't put it off, apply now and ensure that your home has adequate insulation and efficient heating. Not only will you be warmer, you may also save money on your fuel bills.
