Tips For Staying Warm This Winter
As we get older our bodies become more vulnerable to the cold weather, and this can have a significant impact on your health. One of the best ways to keep yourself well during the winter months is to stay warm.
Ward off those winter chills, here are a few tips about how to stay warm this winter.
Heat Your Home
The colder your home, the higher risk you have of developing flu or other respiratory problems.
Get to know how your the timer and thermostat on your heating system works and ensure they are set at the right temperature in the rooms where you spend time. The NHS recommends you should heat your home to at least 18°C if you have reduced mobility, are 65 or over or have a heart/lung disease. If possible, try and fit thermal linings on curtains to help keep the heat inside your home.
The coldest time of the day is just before dawn; so before you head to bed, ensure you close the window in the bedroom to avoid breathing in the cold air. Additionally, you may also want to consider using an electric blanket or hot water bottle to keep you warm when you are in bed.
Eat Well
Food is a vital source of energy which helps keep your body warm. When the weather gets cold, hot meals and drinks are essential to keep you going throughout the day.
To ensure you are getting plenty of nutrients and vitamins, aim to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. Bear in mind that frozen vegetables are as good as fresh and tinned fruit still counts towards your five a day.
Wear Warm Clothes
Layer up this winter.
You are at risk of a stroke, heart attack or eve hypothermia if you are exposed to a cold environment for a prolong period of time, so it is important to dress effectively to stay warm. In addition to hats, scarfs and gloves, wearing thin layers of clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres are particularly good at helping to maintain body heat.
And don’t forget the protect your feet; warm shoes or boots with non-slip soles will keep your tootsies protected and help prevent any nasty falls when walking outside.
Stay Active
Exercise is not only beneficial for our overall health, but it will help your body generate heat, keeping you warm when the temperature drops.
Try not to sit still for more than an hour when you’re indoors, try getting up and walking around the house if you have any small chores to do, or make yourself a cup of tea.
Chair-based exercises are also a good way to stay active indoors, take a look at some of our some simple moves that you can try at home to help improve muscle strength, balance and co-ordination here.
Financial Support
If you are worried about the costs of keeping your home warm during winter, contact your electricity supplier to find out if you are eligible for financial support.
