Look after yourselves and others this winter

Sounds advice as the cold weather sets in. Ed

With the winter weather beginning to bite, the public are being encouraged to make plans to ensure they stay warm and eat well this winter.

Although winter weather and snow can be fun, they are also associated with an increase in illness and injuries.

Cold weather increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, lung illnesses, flu and other diseases.

23,700 ‘excess winter deaths’ in 2010/11
Some groups, such as older people, very young children and people with pre-existing medical conditions, are particularly susceptible to the effects of very cold weather.

Simon Bryant, Public Health Consultant, said, “In 2010/11, there were about 23,700 ‘excess winter deaths’ or 1,300 more people dying per week across the UK in the winter than the average over the rest of the year. Many of these winter deaths are preventable and it is therefore essential that as much as possible is done to protect vulnerable people during the cold winter months. Working with a range of organisations including the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, Footprint Trust, Age UK and the IW Council, measures for cold weather planning are being put into place to protect vulnerable people living on the Island.”

Follow this simple advice
The public are being given the following advice to help them prepare for the cold weather this winter:

Find good information about health risks, try NHS choices at www.nhs.uk
Check your entitlement and benefits
Get a flu jab if you are in a risk group
Protect water pipes from freezing by insulating them – seek energy advice where needed
Draught proof around windows or doors – seek energy advice on this. Avoid blocking ventilation points in the home
Check that your heating is working properly
Make sure that you have access to sufficient fuel supplies for the winter period, especially if you rely on oil, LPG or wood deliveries. Consider alternative heating measure if required
If you are receiving social care or health services, ask your GP, key worker or other contact about staying healthy in winter and the services available to you
Make sure you have a list of emergency numbers if you need to call for assistance or advice during cold weather
Look out for vulnerable neighbours and help them prepare for winter (eg provide them with key contact numbers for emergency situations)
If threat of heavy snow, make sure you order your prescription in good time and check with your pharmacy if they normally deliver this to you.

The Eat & Heat Team
Ray Harrington-Vail of The Footprint Trust charity, which is based on the Island, said, “The Eat & Heat Team at The Footprint Trust are ready to take people’s calls and help them with tailored guidance on how to save money on their heating bills. We will arrange to carry out a free home visit and help them find ways of reducing their energy bills.

“The Trust has access to funds which can help buy A* rated appliances for those in greatest need. We are also looking for young mums and dads to become Energy Ambassadors – so they can help their family and friends reduce their energy bills too!”

Extreme Weather Support Scheme
Age UK IW, previously Age Concern, is in its second winter of delivering the Extreme Weather Support Scheme.

Support is provided to older people on the IW at risk of suffering ill health due to cold weather. This help can be immediate, provided by a range of emergency items such blankets, heaters etc, or through longer term support, with partners, in improving the home environment against cold or helping obtain grants to improve home heating or energy efficiency.

If you or someone you know is at risk of suffering during cold weather, especially young families, older people, those with long term medical conditions, please contact :