Factsheets

THE COLD CAN KILL

Last year more than 25,000 people over the age of 65 died as a result of cold related illnesses.

The cold can cause many more problems than just the cold or flu this year. Cold weather can lead to other serious health problems such as heart attacks, Strokes and pneumonia.

The best way of avoiding these problems is to follow our simple tips and keep warm throughout the winter.

Keeping yourself warm

A few simple things can keep you warm during the cold months:
• Eat for warmth – Regular hot meals and hot drinks provide warmth and energy
• Keep moving – Any activity, whatever it may be, is going to make you feel warmer
• Dress appropriately – Wrap up warmly, indoors and out, ideally several layers of thin clothing, both at night and during the day.
• Get a flu jab – The flu virus changes every year so get your jab EVERY YEAR.

Keeping your house warm

You can make a big difference in how to keep your house warm in winter, some tips are:
• watch for gaps around windows and doors and fit draught proofing
• lag the hot water cylinder and pipes
• have the heating system serviced
• Ideally, you should aim to keep your living room warm all day21° (70° F)

Keeping safe while driving

Winter brings extra hazards for drivers with wind, rain, fog and ice all adding to the dangers, but you can still drive safely if you follow these motoring hints:
• Your battery has to work much harder in the winter, working lights and wipers, for example. Make sure it's in good working order, as a battery can fail completely with hardly any warning - even leaving you stranded
• Keep your lights clean and make sure all bulbs are working.
• Make sure there's anti-freeze in the radiator, and washer fluid in the windscreen washer bottle. Make sure the bottle is topped up
• Slow down, keep your distance and turn your lights on in fog
• Ask yourself if your journey is absolutely essential and makes sure to check local and national weather forecasts.

Heat in the Cold

You should take extra care to prevent fire in the cold winter months. The winter months can bring extra fire hazards such as faulty or misused electric blankets, and heaters.
• If using electric blankets ensure they conform to BSEN 60967, are serviced and have a mechanism to cut off the blanket if it overheats
• Have your chimney swept first before lighting the first fire of winter and don't allow soot or ash to build up
• Make sure all heaters are guarded, particularly if you have children
• If using a gas heater, ensure it conforms to the British Standard 'kitemark' and have it serviced regularly

For more information on preparing your house for winter:

• Warm Front Scheme offers energy efficient advice - 0800 072 0151
• Home Heat helpline offers advice on grants and winter fuel and cold weather payments – 0800 336699
• Help the aged offers advice and help on combating Fuel Poverty – 020 7278 1114

General Help and advice

• NHS Direct: 0845 46 47
• Help the Aged:020 7278 1114
• Warm Front Scheme: 0800 072 0151
• Winter Fuel Payment: 08459 1515 15

For further advice and information contact:

• Age Concern – 0800 009 966 or www.ageconcern.org.uk
• Citizens Advice Bureaux – 0870 1264114
• Age Concern – 01235 849400
• Help the Aged – 0808 800 6565
• Disabled Living Foundation – 0845 130 9177

If you would like the Cold Can Kill Booklet with free thermometer then phone the BBC Oxford Action desk 08459 311 222