Advice on Keeping Warm and Well in Winter – Part 2
This article is the second part in a series of two articles. You can find the first part here.
Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic, people have become increasingly concerned with avoiding catching illnesses and viruses. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the world took stock, and started paying more attention to health and wellbeing.
However, during the winter months, it is incredibly hard to avoid becoming ill. Due to the numerous lockdowns we all experienced during the pandemic, there are more viruses and infections flying around than ever before. If you’ve managed to dodge them until now, then you’re one of the lucky ones.
With the cost of living making it expensive to simply turn on your heating one, millions of people across the world are sitting in the cold each night. This has huge implications on both your physical and mental health, which is why it is more important than ever to prioritise your health and wellbeing this winter.
Below is a list of tips and tricks on how to keep warm and well this winter.
Who is most at risk from cold weather?
Unfortunately, some people are more at risk from the effects of winter weather than others. The general rule of thumb is that anyone aged over 65 or under the age of 5 are usually most at risk of developing a cold, catching the flu or other viruses. When they do so, their immune system struggles to fight them off.
In fact, according to the Met Office, the older we get the harder it is for us to realise how cold we actually are. In addition to this, it also takes longer for us to warm up again [1].
If you are worried about an elderly relative and want more information on how to help them stay well and healthy this winter, then take a look at our page on a ‘Guide to keeping well this winter for the elderly.’
In addition to this, people with a low income are also more at risk of developing a cold or illness throughout the winter months. This is because they might struggle to afford the heating during the winter months, now more than ever before with energy bills increasing.
Many people over the age of 55 are now struggling financially, which would make them particularly vulnerable during the winter months. If you would like more information on UK poverty for people aged over 55, then take a look at our page on the statistics. We also have a range to tips and tricks when it comes to budget planning for the elderly.
Those on a low income might also struggle to afford a healthy and balanced diet during the winter months, which is needed when it comes to batting off viruses and other illnesses. Healthy food supports a healthy immune system, and without it, your body isn’t able to function properly.
Those who suffer from a long-term health condition or disability are also more at risk of developing an illness or cold during the winter months, as their immune system tends to be weakened during times of long-term illness.
Likewise, if you struggle for a long-term health condition then you are also more likely to struggle with an illness during the winter months, and might also struggle to deal with the repercussions of being ill. This could make your physical illness worse, but could also make your mental illness worse, too.
As you can see, the most vulnerable people within our society are most vulnerable when it comes to keeping warm and well in the winter months. This is why it is more important than ever to look after those most vulnerable members of our communities, especially during the winter months.
Please call our 24-Hour Helpline: 0330 058 1579
Tips and tricks on how to stay warm and well in the winter
Below, we offer some tips on how to stay warm this winter:
1. Wear lots of layers
One of the best things that you can do this winter to stay warm and well is to wear lots of layers, both when you are at home and when you are out and about.
The best way to stay warm is to wear lots of layers, instead of just one thick jumper or coat. You should try to wear thermal vests when you can, or long sleeve tops to keep your chest and arms protected and warm.
These types of tops work hard to keep you warm and will trap heat so that you don’t feel as cold. The best type of fabrics to wear are usually wool, cotton or fleece.
You should also invest in a thick coat, a good scarf and a thick, woolly hat. Hats are particularly important to wear when you are out and about, especially if it is icy, raining or snowing.
When you are at home, make sure that you are wearing slippers and thick woolly socks, even when you are going to bed.
Another top tip is to make sure that you change the tog of your duvet and sheets to a thicker one during the winter months. Most people sleep with the heating off, so it is particularly important to keep yourself warm whilst you sleep!
2. Invest in some draft excluders
Draft excluders might seem old-fashioned, and most of us think of our grandparent’s house when we think of draft excluders.
However, draft excluders do a great job of blocking any drafts in your home and are great to put under any door frames and windows. You can even get some really stylish ones these days, and are available in most homeware stores.
You should try to utilise your curtains to keep the heat in, and should make sure that nothing is blocking your radiators whilst your heating is on.
Please call our 24-Hour Helpline: 0330 058 1579
3. Eat healthy, wholesome and warm meals
Another great way to avoid getting sick this winter and to stay warm and well is to ensure that you are eating the right things. Afterall, we are what we eat and if what we eat isn’t healthy, then we won’t be either.
It’s really easy in the winter months to sleep into unhealthy eating. After all, Christmas in itself is a time for overindulgence.
However, it is important to recognise that in order to give ourselves the best chance of staying well, we must maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Eating at least five portions of fruit and veg every day will allow our immune systems to bat away any sickness or illness that might come our way.
In order to stay warm, you should also try to eat warm and hearty meals, such as stews, soups and drink regular hot drinks. Stews and soups are also a really easy way of packing in a lot of veg and nutrients into your meals without really realising it!
According to BBC Good Food, you should try to eat as much garlic, onions, salmon and oranges as possible to help combat illnesses [2].
4. Get physically active
In addition to layering up, eating well and investing in things around the home to help keep you well and warm this winter, you should also try to exercise on a regular basis [3].
Whilst most people try to avoid exercise during the winter months, keeping physically active is usually one of the best things you can do to boost your immune system [3]. Whilst it might be hard to drag yourself to the gym or out for a run, you will start to feel better physically and also happier, too.
The reality is that you don’t need to do a 10-mile run in order to stay healthy during the winter months. In fact, even light exercise can do you the world of good.
Please call our 24-Hour Helpline: 0330 058 1579
5. Sanitise your hands on a regular basis
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, people weren’t used to sanitising their hands on a regular basis. However, since then, more and more people have become educated on the spread of germs and now sanitise their hands on a regular basis.
This is particularly important and useful when it comes to the winter months when the spread of germs increases.
You should try to carry sanitiser around with you, and should also make sure that you are washing your hands with hot water and soap on a regular basis.
6. Get your coronavirus (COVID-19) and flu vaccinations
In this day and age, the best way to protect against catching the flu or an illness like Covid-19 is to get your vaccinations. You will be more protected against these types of viruses if you are vaccinated and will be helping your immune system to stay fighting fit.
Whilst most people think that they would be perfectly fine if they were to catch the flu and Covid-19, you might be surprised at just how ill you can become if you do catch a bad case of the flu.
You should make sure that you get vaccinated pretty much every year, especially if you are over 50 years old.
If you would like more information on how and where you can get vaccinated, then click on the following links for more information:
7. Check in on vulnerable friends or family members
If you know someone who lives alone or who might be struggling to stay warm and well this winter, then you should do your best to check up on them on a regular basis.
Paying them a visit to ensure that they have enough healthy and nutritious food in the cupboard is a great start. You should also check to see if their heating is working properly, and to make sure that they have enough medication should they get ill with Covid-19 or the flu.
You should also check to see if they have had both their flu vaccinations and their Covid-19 and flu vaccinations. If they haven’t, then you should try to convince them to go and get them.
If they struggle to get out and about, especially to the shops, then why not get the bus with them or drive them so that they feel supported and avoid slipping during rainy or icy weather?
If you are worried about a parent or Grandparent, then you should contact your local council or Age UK for support and advice. The Age UK helpline is 0800 678 1602 and is open every day, between 8 am and 7 pm.
Please call our 24-Hour Helpline: 0330 058 1579
8. Keep warm at night time
Unfortunately, most people do not keep their heating on overnight. Temperatures are also at their lowest during nighttime, which is why it is important to make sure that your bedroom is nice and warm when you go to bed.
You should invest in thick and warm bedding and even an electric or weighted blanket. Also, make sure that you are wearing thick pyjamas and bring a hot water bottle to bed if you still feel chilly.
If you’re struggling to turn the heating on due to the cost of living crisis, then have a read of our ‘Tips for pensioners for surviving the cost of living crisis.’
9. Find a local, warm space
Finally, if you are struggling with the cold weather then you could find a local warm space. These are organisations up and down the country which provide warm spaces and hubs which are open to any members of the public who are struggling.
They provide a range of services, including warm food and drink, heated rooms and a positive, social atmosphere.
These warm hubs are advertised in most community centres, including churches and town halls. If you are still struggling to find a local warm bub, then take a look on your local council’s website or get in touch with them directly.
Please call our 24-Hour Helpline: 0330 058 1579
References
[2] https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-win-cold-war
