Wrap up warmly to survive winter

By Jane Elliott
Health reporter, BBC News

Have regular hot drinks

Tomorrow (Saturday) is St. Hilary's day, traditionally thought to be the coldest day of the year.

The folklore dates back to 1086 when the country was gripped by a great frost, which lasted from January 13th until late March.

Even today, this time of year is often among the coldest.

Each year, even in mild winters, at least 20,000 people die in England and Wales as a result of the cold weather - in particularly cold winters this can rise to as high as 40,000.

Preventable

But experts say most of these deaths are preventable and that even simple measures, such as wearing hats, gloves and scarves outside and dressing in layers, can make a dent in the figures.

Statistics show that there is a 2% increase in mortality for every degree below 19 degrees Celsius.

The most important point is that we are talking about preventable deaths Dr Jo Nurse

About half the deaths are caused by respiratory conditions and half by strokes and heart attacks.

Dr Jo Nurse, a consultant in public health for the department of health, explained that when the temperature drops it causes blood to thicken and become more sticky, increasing the risks of heart attacks, stroke and respiratory problems.

"About two days after a cold period we see a rise in the number of deaths from heart attacks; about five days later we see an increase in death from strokes and about 12 days after we see an increase in respiratory deaths.

The weather doesn't need to be excessive for deaths

"Year-on-year the figures do tend to fluctuate, but even in the mildest winter we have in excess of 20,000 deaths.

"And the most important point is that we are talking about preventable deaths."

Dr Nurse said that as well as dressing up warmly, people should ensure their homes are well insulated and heated - a living room should be 21 degrees C and the rest of the house 18 degrees C.

Below 18 degrees C blood pressure starts to rise; at 16 degrees resistance to respiratory diseases weakens and after more than two hours at 12 degrees there is an increased risk of heart attack and stroke due to raised blood pressure.

At 5 degrees and below there is a big rise in hypothermia.

Dr Nurse added that keeping homes warm had also been shown to cut arthritis, reduce falls among the elderly and to reduce asthma and respiratory disease by reducing dampness.

It has also been shown to cut levels of depression and anxiety.

But many, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, are worried about how they can afford to meet the cost of heating their homes.

Help

Kizzy Shehan, a 21-year-old mother of two young children, said she worried about the affect a poorly heated and insulated home was having on her children's health.

Her local Sure Start recommended the Home Heat helpline, run by the Energy Retail Association, to help her cut fuel costs, while still protecting her children.

"They were fantastic," said Kizzy. "They immediately sorted out my supplier and told me what to ask of the council when they re-housed me.

Keep well Keep a well stocked medicine chest to treat coughs and flu Quit smoking Have a balanced diet Have regular hot meals and drinks Keep a stock of food in case you can't get to shops Keep thermos flask by bed Keep Active Wear layers of cotton, wool or fleecy clothes to trap heat Wrap up warmly in bed Keep home warm

"We got them to put in insulation and new windows.

"But I also now get winter fuel allowance which makes a big difference with the bills."

Caroline Flint, minister of state for public health, said people should take special care of themselves and other during the colder months.

"Look after yourselves and your neighbours or relatives in the winter months.

"My top tips are: Stop smoking - within eight hours of stopping smoking, blood oxygen levels increase to normal and your chances of having a heart attack start to fall;

"Eat a healthy balanced diet - take advantage of the winter as an excuse to eat lovely hot stews and plenty of hot drinks;

"Keep your hat on and layer up - did you know that several thin layers of clothing keep you much warmer than one thick layer?"

Helpline

Duncan Sedgwick, chief executive of the Energy Retail Association, said: "It is essential that vulnerable people know where to turn to for information and advice about heating their home when the weather gets cold.

"I would urge anyone worried about their fuel bills to call the Home Heat Helpline (0800 33 66 99) or contact the Government's Keep Warm Keep Well campaign in order to keep warm and healthy this winter."