Cold weather can trigger a range of health problems, some more severe than others. Sore throats and norovirus are more common in winter, and cold air is a major trigger of asthma symptoms.
It recommends: “Heat the main rooms you use to at least 18C and use a hot water bottle or electric blanket to keep warm in bed.”
“Wrap up warm when you go out and wear a hat, scarf and gloves.”
Some people are more vulnerable to the effects of cold weather, including people aged 65 and older, babies and children under the age of 5, people on a low income who cannot afford heating, and people with a long-term health condition.
Disabled people, pregnant women and people with mental health contains are also vulnerable.
DON’T MISS
Other ways to keep warm in your home are to use a hot water bottle or electric blanket in bed – but don’t use both at the same time.
Having at least one hot meal a day, eating regularly and having hot drinks regularly can also help, and drawing curtains at dusk and keeping doors closed to block out draughts is also recommended.
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack occurs when a blockage in the coronary artery causes part of the heart muscle to be starved of blood and oxygen.
They’re considered a medical emergency and can be life threatening, so recognising the symptoms in yourself or someone else and calling 999 for an ambulance immediately is very important.
Other risk factors for heart attack
A number of factors can contribute to unwanted buildup of fatty deposits that narrow arteries in the body.
But you can improve or eliminate many of these risk factors to reduce the chance of a heart attack happening.
Risk factors are listed by Mayo Clinic as:
- Age – men aged 45 or older and women aged 55 or older are more likely to have a heart attack
- Tobacco
- High blood pressure
- High blood cholesterol
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Metabolic syndrome
- Family history of heart attack
- Lack of physical activity
- Stress
- A history of preeclampsia
- An autoimmune condition
