ALONE have developed a leaflet to provide some basic tips on preparing for and keeping well in the winter. You can download it here.

Heating

• Have your heating system serviced and your chimney swept.
• The temperature in your living room should be 21 degrees.
• Your bedroom should be warm in  the morning time, around 14  degrees.
• If you have a timer switch or storage heating, set these  temperatures to ensure you’ll be  warm enough.
• Be sure your house is well insulated.
• Make sure your smoke alarm is working.
• Make sure you claim all the financial support you can to help with heating bills. ALONE can advise you.
• Remember – SAFETY FIRST! Put guards on open fires and be careful not to hang washing too close to the fire.
• If you have wood-burning, coal or gas heaters make sure you have adequate ventilation.

Clothing

• Wear a few layers of light but warm clothing when indoors. 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.
• 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.
• When outdoors, be sure to wear a  coat, gloves and particularly a hat –  most heat loss is from the head.
• 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 the weather is very cold, avoid  going outdoors where possible.
• 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 be kept 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.

Food

• Keep basic food items in the cupboard or freezer in case it’s too cold to go shopping.
• Be sure to have at least one  hot meal once a day.
• If it’s  convenient, keep a flask with a hot  drink handy and take some of it regularly.

Exercise

• It is important to exercise  regularly.
• Vigorous exercise is not  necessary, just frequent, gentle  exercise will help keep you warm.
• Don’t sit or stand outside for long periods, as you’ll quickly get cold.
• Consider fitting a grab rail if you have several steps at your front or back door.*

Health

• Keep simple cold, flu and sore throat remedies in the house. Your pharmacist can make suggestions and can also advise on how to manage minor illnesses.
• Ask your GP’s advice about winter health precautions including a seasonal flu jab.
• Order repeat prescriptions in plenty of time, particularly if bad weather is forecast.
• If you smoke, think about trying to stop.