The Department of Health would like to remind people to take measures to ensure they stay healthy this winter, particularly as the first cold weather of the season has arrived and the current very cold weather conditions are expected to last for the next week. People are being urged to remember the needs of friends, elderly relatives and neighbours who could be at risk during the cold weather. Older people or people with serious illnesses are particularly vulnerable at this time, so please check up on them if you can. Those with heart or respiratory (breathing) problems may have worse symptoms during a cold spell and for several days after temperatures return to normal. If you know someone in your area who is vulnerable, please check on them and ask if they want shopping, fuel fetching and carrying and check that they have heat and are safe. If you are unable to move out of the house, consider using a local home delivery service, or asking friends, neighbours or relatives to collect provisions for you. David Anderson MHK Minister for Health said: “It is very important that we all prepared for the very cold weather conditions we are currently experiencing, and will continue to experience during the next week. We all need to be prepared, taking some simple steps to will ensure we stay safe and warm. Please remember to look out for people you know who are unwell or vulnerable. Our community relies on everyone being good neighbours. Preparing for winter by following some simple suggestions can help people stay healthy‚ and safe”. Health services will very busy and unless it is essential, people are asked not to go to A&E or call the GP, or call an ambulance. Patients are asked to be prepared to tolerate some delay in being seen by their GP or at Accident and Emergency (A&E), as health services will be busier than normal, and if unable to attend a health appointment e.g. GP, Dentist, Hospital etc due to bad weather or illness, please let the service know. If you have cold or flu symptoms please contact your GP (out of hours MEDS service) by phone, rather than going to the surgery etc. Top tips for keeping warm: • Eat well and regularly, food is a vital source of energy, which helps to keep the body warm. Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day if possible. Eating regularly helps keep energy levels up during winter • Wear several ‘thin’ layers of clothing – this traps body heat better than one thick layer. Clothes made from wool, cotton or fleecy fibres are best • Keep curtains drawn and doors closed to block out draughts • Try to keep room temperatures at 21°C (70F) in main rooms during the day, or if you can’t, try to keep at least one room warm • Your bedroom should be above 18°C – set heating timers to come on before you get up and go off after you’ve gone to bed • Keep as active as possible and wrap up warm if you need to go outside on cold days • Wear a hat when outdoors as you lose a considerable amount of heat through your head. To prevent falling wear flat, dry non-slip shoes or boots • If you use a fire or heater in your bedroom, be sure to open a window or door a little at night for ventilation. All heating appliances should be checked. About 50 people die each year in England due to Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning and most of this happens during such periods. Closed windows and doors plus a faulty heating appliance working continuously, provides the ideal set up for CO poisoning. • Use a hot water bottle or an electric blanket to stay warm in bed (not both, for safety reasons. Electric blankets should be tested at least every three years). - ENDS -