SEASONAL HEALTH

Stay healthy this winter

A cold home could affect your health. One of the best ways of keeping yourself well during winter is to stay warm.

Keeping warm over the winter months can help prevent colds, flu or more serious health conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

The chances of these problems are higher if you are vulnerable to cold-related illnesses because:

  • people aged 65 and older
  • babies and children under the age of 5
  • people on a low income (so cannot afford heating)
  • people who have a long-term health condition
  • people with a disability
  • pregnant women
  • people who have a mental health condition

How can I keep warm during cold weather?

Here are some tips to keep you healthy this winter:

  • find out if you can get the flu jab for free on the NHS
  • make sure you are receiving any benefits you are entitled to such as the Warm Home Discount, the Cold Weather Payment and the Winter Fuel Payment
  • draw your curtains at dusk and keep your doors closed to block out draughts
  • have regular hot drinks and eat at least one hot meal a day if possible to keep your energy levels up
  • wear several light layers of warm clothes (rather than one chunky layer)
  • keep as active in your home as possible
  • wrap up warm and wear shoes with a good grip if you need to go outside on cold days
  • keep your bedroom at 18°C (65°F) and your main living room at 21°C (70°F).

The NHS website has lots of useful tips for keeping warm and well.

Winter Wellness: Staying warm, safe, active and connected

From October 2022 to March 2023, local community organisation Elizabeth House Community Centre will be supporting Camden and Islington residents aged 65 and over to stay warm, safe, active and connected during the most isolating months of the year, through their Winter Wellness project.

In partnership with Camden and Islington Public Health Department, Elizabeth House can help older neighbours to access vital support such as housing repairs, advice on health services and flu jabs, measures to make homes warmer, help to lower energy bills, essential financial and benefits advice, introduce you to local groups and activities as well as provide advice around the coronavirus pandemic.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the above support of Elizabeth House, contact:

Call: 07515 410 139 or 0207 690 1300
Email: community@elizabeth-house.org.uk

Visit the Elizabeth House website for the activities taking place