Keep warm, keep well

It’s just 3 degrees near our Newark Pharmacies today. So we are thinking about keeping warm. Did you know that when the temperature drops to below 8C, some people are at increased risk of heart attack, stroke, flu, pneumonia, falls and hypothermia? This post tells you more about what you can do keep warm and keep well.

Who is most at risk?

Some people are more at risk of becoming ill during cold weather than others, you are most vulnerable if:

• you’re 65 or older
• 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’re disabled
• you’re pregnant
• you have young children (newborn to school age)
• you have a mental health condition

What can you do?

Keeping warm in your home is important. If you’re not very mobile, are 65 or over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease, heat your home to at least 18C (65F).  Keep your bedroom at 18C all night if you can – and keep the bedroom window closed during the day you may prefer your living room to be slightly warmer than 18C. 

Do check that elderly friends and family heat their home too. You can also help elderly friends and relatives by making sure that they have enough food and medicines. We can deliver medicines free of charge – contact your local Evans Pharmacy to find out more . If you are worked you can call the Age UK helpline on 0800 678 1174.

If there is a baby in the household, to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), babies should sleep in rooms heated to between 16C and 20C . If you’re under 65, healthy and active, you can safely have your home cooler than 18C, if you’re comfortable draw curtains at dusk and keep doors closed to block out draughts get your heating system checked regularly by a qualified professional.

If you are concerned about heating costs, it is worth checking if you are entitle to help. The NHS website has more information about what is available and how to claim.

If you are out and about try wearing several layers of clothes rather than 1 chunky layer – clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres help to maintain body heat. To find out more about how to keep warm and well go to the NHS website. 

If you feel unwell call in and ask to speak to one of our pharmacists

If you start to feel unwell, even if it’s a cough or cold, don’t wait until it gets more serious. Call into one of our pharmacies to seek advice from a pharmacist. If we think that you need to see your GP or go to an urgent care centre we will discuss this with you.

We hope that you keep warm and well this winter!