People in Rutland urged to keep warm, as GPs worry of hypothermia at home
There's concern the consistent cold weather is posing a risk to people trying to save on heating bills
The Director for Public Health in Rutland is urging people to keep warm and be 'good neighbours' by checking on vulnerable residents, with a UK Cold Health-Alert still in place.
Recent freezing temperatures have been causing concern for GPs across the country, who say some patients that can't afford to put the heating on are at risk of hypothermia in their own homes.
Leicestershire and Rutland's Public Health Director, Mike Sandys, said the health problems that can arise from constant exposure to the cold don't stop there:
'Cold weather does thicken your blood a little bit so you are more at risk of a stroke and a heart attack. People don't often realise the cold can have that kind of impact.'
'You're more at risk of a chest infection too, the cold weather does affect your health in a variety of ways.'
He added: 'We can play our part by protecting other people just by dropping in on them, making certain that they're okay and are able to heat their homes.'
On Thursday 18 January, the amber Cold-Health Alerts (CHAs) issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office was extended until midday on Saturday 20 January.
UK Health Security Agency advice for those struggling to heat their homes
Support and advice on how to keep warm this winter can be found on the UKHSA Website.
Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep people warm this winter.
Further advice on the UKHSA webpage reads: "If people can’t heat all the rooms they use, it’s important to heat the rooms they spend most time in (for example, the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep). They should aim to heat these rooms to at least 18 degrees if they can. Wearing a few thin layers is better at trapping heat than wearing one thick layer."
Here are the ways in which you can keep yourself and others safe during periods of cold weather:
check the weather forecast and the news
make sure you have sufficient food and medicine
take simple measures to reduce draughts at home
keep bedroom windows closed
wear multiple layers of thinner clothing
if you’re eligible, get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19
get help if needed – call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency
Eligible people can apply to receive cold weather payments from the Government if the average temperature is below zero.