Public urged to take extra care as temperatures expected to plummet

With temperatures set to plummet in the coming days, NHS leaders in Lancashire and South Cumbria are urging the public to take extra care and to wrap up warm.

Children, older people and other vulnerable groups can be particularly at risk in colder temperatures, while people with long-term health conditions, such as respiratory and heart conditions, may find that symptoms are exacerbated. 

By being prepared for the cold weather, those most at-risk can protect themselves against the worst of the winter weather.

Lindsey Dickinson, associate medical director for primary care at NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), which organises healthcare services in the region, said: “Keeping warm, both indoors and outdoors, is important in winter as this can help prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression. The cold and damp weather, ice, snow and high winds can worsen any existing health problems, increase the risk of a fall, and make us more vulnerable to respiratory winter illnesses.”

The NHS sees an increase in the amount of people injured by falls when the temperature drops. Last year, more than 86,000 people contacted North West Ambulance Service because of a fall and 40 per cent of emergency call-outs to people who had fallen were during the colder winter months.

A drop in temperature means more chance of ice and snow so local communities are being encouraged to take extra care during this time.

Dr Dickinson said: “Anyone can fall when conditions turn icy, but vulnerable and older people are at an increased risk so we would advise that the best way to protect yourself would be to only go outside during the daytime, ask for help from family and friends to help clear icy paths and driveways and to ensure you have enough food at home so you don’t have to go out if the weather gets even worse.”

Spreading sand or salt on icy surfaces like driveways, garden paths, and steps can help keep people safe and wrapping up warm and wearing shoes with good grips can also help.

People looking for health advice are urged to use community pharmacies and NHS 111 online or you can call 111. You can find your nearest pharmacy here: Find a pharmacy - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Other advice to help stay healthy this winter, includes:

• Heat your home to a temperature that’s comfortable for you. If you can, this should be at least 18°C in the rooms that you regularly use, such as your living room and bedroom.
• If you’re feeling cold, drink hot drinks regularly.
• Try not to sit still for more than one hour at a time. Moving even a little bit can help you to keep strength and mobility.
• Eating and drinking enough is also important. If you are finding it difficult to prepare and eat three big meals, try smaller ones throughout the day. 
• A good idea is to draw your curtains in the evenings to reduce heat loss through windows, and tuck long curtains behind radiators so that heat isn’t trapped. And make sure warm air can circulate by keeping radiators and heaters clear – don’t put furniture in front of them or dry washing on them.
• As the winter months are drawing in, look after your mental health as well as your physical health go to Every Mind Matters for advice.
• For more information about self-care options for common complaints, search NHS seasonal advice or Age Concern UK.