Heath tips for winter

We all want to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other seasonal illnesses such as colds and flu. We can all play our part in looking after ourselves and each other this winter.

Essential vaccines this winter

Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself, friends and family from dangerous viruses. Get your first and second COVID-19 vaccination and if you’re eligible, the COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine.

Find out if you’re eligible for the COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine now at nhs.uk/wintervaccinations  

 For information on getting your first and second COVID-19 vaccination, visit www.enfield.gov.uk/CovidJab

Wash your hands

Wash your hands regularly throughout the day and when you can’t, use hand sanitiser.

Let fresh air in

Meeting friends or family? Meeting outdoors is safer. If you meet indoors, let fresh air in.

Face coverings

Wear a face covering in crowded and indoor places.

Stay at home if you’re feeling unwell

If you are not feeling well and have coronavirus, cold or flu symptoms, take a COVID-19 test. You must self-isolate if you test positive.

Don’t forget to keep taking twice weekly LFDs. Regular LFD testing helps uncover hidden cases of the virus that would otherwise go undetected.

Around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 don’t have any symptoms of COVID-19.

If you have any symptoms of #COVID19, even mild, stay at home and arrange a PCR test immediately.

At this time of year, we’re more likely to pick up coughs and colds as we spend more time indoors in close contact with others. If you have any symptoms of COVID19, arrange a PCR test immediately and stay away from others.

Find out more on how to stay safe and prevent the spread of coronavirus here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do

Keep warm and safe this winter:

One of the best ways to keep healthy during winter is to stay warm.

Cold weather can affect your health, it increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, breathing problems, flu and other diseases.

Keep your home heated to at least 18°C if you can. Dress warmly, wear shoes with good grip when heading outside, and look out for vulnerable people. If able, clear your drive and pathways to prevent accidents. Ensure you have plenty of warm food and drinks to keep you warm.

Keeping your home safe and warm, efficiently:

• Heating your home to at least 18°Cis particularly important if you have reduced mobility, are 65 and over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease. Having room temperatures slightly over 18°C could be good for your health.
• If you are under 65, active and wearing appropriate clothing, you may feel comfortable at room temperatures slightly lower than 18°C.
• Overnight, people who are 65 and over or who have pre-existing health conditions, may find bedroom temperatures of at least 18°Care good for their health; this may be less important if you are a healthy adult under 65 and have appropriate clothing and bedding.
• If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and your bedroom just before you go to sleep.
• Get your heating system and cooking appliances checked and keep your home well ventilated.
• If you have an electric blanket, use it as instructed and get it tested every three years. Never use a hot water bottle with an electric blanket.
• Do not use a gas cooker or oven to heat your home; it is inefficient and there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning which can kill.
• If you are not on mains gas or electricity make sure you have a supply of heating oil, LPG or solid fuel so you do not run out in winter.

Keep the warmth in by:

• Fitting draught proofing to seal any gaps around windows and doors.
• Making sure you have loft insulation. And if you have cavity walls, make sure they are insulated too.
• Insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes.
• Draw your curtains at dusk and tuck behind radiators to help keep heat inside.
• Make sure your radiators are not obstructed by furniture or curtains.

Look after yourself:

Sign up for the Priority Services Register:

Power and utility companies have schemes which make at-risk groups a priority for reconnection following power cuts. Find out if you meet the criteria and if so, sign up.Visit https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/consumers/household-gas-and-electricity-guide/extra-help-energy-services/priority-services-register-people-need for more information.

• Keeping well will allow you to do more and keep your independence. Being cold isn’t just uncomfortable it can be bad for your health. Sitting or sleeping in a cold room is not good for you and increases the risk of heart attacks, stroke and breathing problems. Don’t let the cold catch you out – check the weather forecast and be ready for cold weather.
• Keep your bedroom windows closed on a winter’s night; breathing cold air can increase the risk of chest infections.
• Food is a vital source of energy and helps to keep your body warm so have plenty of hot food and drinks.
• Aim to include five daily portions of fruit and vegetables. Tinned and frozen vegetables count towards your five a day.
• Stock up on tinned and frozen foods so you don’t have to go out too much when it’s cold or icy.
• Exercise is good for you all year round and it can keep you warm in winter.
• Wear a few layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer; this will trap the heat better to keep you warm. Socks and hats are great too and are a good idea to keep you warm in bed. Thin layers of clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres are particularly good and maintain body heat.
• Wear good-fitting slippers with a good grip indoors and shoes with a good grip outside to prevent slips, trips and falls.
• Make sure you have spare medication in case you are unable to go out.
• Cover yourself with a blanket or shawl if you are sitting for long periods, this will help keep you warm. Put your feet up if you can; the air may be colder near the floor.
• Keep moving if you can, this will help keep you warm. Try not to sit for more than an hour – get up and walk around, make a hot drink and spread housework throughout the day. If walking is a problem try moving your arms and legs whilst sitting or wiggling your fingers and toes.

Look after others:

• Check on frail or older neighbours or relatives, especially those living alone or who have serious illnesses to make sure they are safe, warm and well.
• All of the advice for looking after yourself can be used to plan how to help others.
• Those with care responsibilities, whether that’s for family members or on a professional or voluntary basis, should consult the cold weather plan for England for a range of useful advice as well as ensuring that those at risk have homes heated to at least 18C and receive regular visitors. In advance of winter, carers should be aware of how to refer to local housing and health referral services if further support is required.
• Charities, social and health care organisations should ensure that carers of those most at-risk are getting the support and advice they need to protect those who may be vulnerable to the ill-effects of cold weather.

Get financial help:

• There are grants, benefits and advice to help make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills. It’s worthwhile claiming all the benefits you are entitled to before winter sets in.

First published here on 16/11/2021 from Enfield Council news article: Link: https://new.enfield.gov.uk/healthandwellbeing/keep-warm-and-safe-this-winter/?utm_medium=email&utm_term=&utm_content=Winter%20safety%20story&utm_campaign=HWB10112021&utm_source=HWB10112021