The long, dark winter months have never appealed to me and my best memories are either of walking along in crisp, bright, virgin snow or cosied up in front of a warm fire keeping the ‘bleak midwinter’ outside.

I have always been fortunate to be able to be both warm and well in winter but others are less fortunate.  This is why the Department of Health have produced their ‘Keep Warm Keep Well’ leaflet which is intended for the over 60s, low-income families and people with a disability or a long-term health condition.

The leaflet gives advice on how to stay well in cold weather as well as outlining the financial help that is available, covering issues such as having a healthy lifestyle, availability of flu jabs and heating our homes. ‘Keep Warm Keep Well’ is part of the Department’s Cold Weather Plan which aims to protect people’s health and reduce the harm caused by severe cold.

Keeping Well

The effect of Influenza is often underestimated by many people and regarded as a ‘bad’ cold. However, in truth flu can be very unpleasant and can lead to more serious illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchitis. In rare cases it can result in a stay in hospital or even death. Those most at risk are people with a long term health condition, the elderly, and/or pregnant women.

The good news is that if you meet the following criteria, you can get a free flu jab that can protect you throughout the winter months when you are most vulnerable:

• Are aged 65 or over;
• Are pregnant;
• Have a serious medical condition such as chronic heart, lung,   neurological, liver or kidney disease or diabetes;
• Have a weakened immune system due to HIV or treatments that suppress the immune system such as chemotherapy;
• Have had a stroke or TIA (transient ischaemia attack) or post-polio syndrome;
• Are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility (not prison or university halls);
• Are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill.

Keeping Warm

The leaflet also gives really helpful information on how to keep your house, and therefore yourselves, warm:

• Fit draught proofing to seal any gaps around windows and doors.
• Make sure that your loft has at least 10–11 inches (270mm) of insulation. Any home with 4 inches (100mm) or less should have it topped up.
• If you have wall cavities, make sure that they are insulated too.
• Insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes.
• Draw your curtains at dusk to help keep the heat generated inside your rooms.
• Make sure that your radiators are not obstructed by curtains or furniture.

Do stay warm, healthy and safe this winter and take a look at the Keep Warm Keep Well leaflet.

If you would like more information about heating your home and/or business, or indeed any products or services that may be connected, here at Thebestof Cheltenham we have three great recommended businesses that are dedicated to keeping you warm and well this winter time. Greenoak Building Services,Ian Godwin, and Complete Plumbing and Heating are all professional and friendly businesses who are experienced in all aspects of plumbing and heating.