Weather alert: Keeping healthy in the freeze

3rd February 2012 - This weekend will see a marked change in the weather as the dry spell makes way for snow and ice in many parts of the country.

The Met Office has issued its first England-wide Level 3 Cold Weather Alert of the winter. The ‘big freeze' at the end of last year would have been classified as level 3. Forecasters are predicting severe cold weather, icy conditions and heavy snow between now and Tuesday in parts of England and are warning this could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients.

Health risks

Michelle Mitchell, charity director general at Age UK says, online, that winter can be a dangerous time for older people: "Many people believe that the only risk of winter weather is getting a cold, but the risk is much greater. Low temperatures raise blood pressure which puts people at a greater risk of heart attacks and strokes, and well as increasing the likelihood and severity of flu and other respiratory problems."

It's a point echoed by the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies. In a prepared statement she says: "During a cold spell, older people and those with underlying health problems, such as heart disease or respiratory conditions, can all be at higher risk of becoming ill."

Age UK says each year in England and Wales an extra 25,000 older people die during the winter months from the adverse effects of cold weather.

Advice

Dame Sally advises: "If you are heading outside make sure you check your local weather forecast for the latest weather conditions and wrap up warm. Icy conditions can make surfaces extremely slippery and older people should take extra care to avoid slips and falls.

"If you do not want to brave the cold outside there are simple ways to keep warm at home, such as drawing curtains to block out draughts, drinking plenty of hot drinks, and wearing lots of light layers of clothing."

Age UK recommends opting for layers of clothes made from wool, cotton or fleecy fabrics. It says a lot of heat is lost through the head and neck, so if you’re chilly indoors, try wearing a hat and scarf. It says you should make sure that your bedroom temperature is above 18°C overnight, wear warm clothes in bed and if it's really cold, wear thermal underwear, bed socks and even a hat.

If you're sitting down it recommends a shawl or blanket for extra warmth and says you should also try to keep your feet up, because air is cooler at ground level.

Stock up

Age UK suggests you'll feel more relaxed if you've stocked up for a cold spell and recommends you have in your home:

• Cold and flu medicines, as well as any repeat prescriptions
• Tinned fruit and veg, and rice and pasta
• Salt or sand for icy steps and pathways. The Met Office advises using grit or even cat litter on paths to lessen the risk of slipping.