Keeping Warm this Winter

Keeping Warm in Winter

As winter draws in, so comes the cold weather and keeping warm is vital to staying healthy. This is even more important if you suffer from a respiratory condition as cold air can make your airways react making it difficult to breathe. The cold air can impair lung function, lower resistance to respiratory infections and cause an increase in blood pressure. However, there are lots of things you can do to help have a safe and healthy winter: 

Plan ahead - Check the weather updates either on television or online when planning trips out to avoid cold snaps.

Heating the home - Make sure your home is properly insulated- walls and ceilings lose heat very quickly without proper insulation. Fit draught proof seals to any gaps around doors and windows and set the thermostat so that the main rooms are at 21°C during the day and bedrooms are at 18°C at night. Using hot water bottles or electric blankets (but never both together) is a good way of warming up if the bedroom is cold at night. 

Keeping warm outside - wear layers of clothing when it’s cold, several thin layers are better than one thick as the warm air stays trapped in between the layers. It also allows you to take some clothing off when you go into a warmer environment. 

Try and stay as active as possible to generate heat when outside, it isn’t advisable to stay sat still for too long outside. 

Eat well – food is a vital source of warmth, eat regular hot meals and drinks throughout the day.

Make sure you carry your medication with you at all times especially your inhalers if you have them as the cold air can tighten your airways. It’s a good idea to use a scarf that covers your mouth/nose to protect your lungs from the harsh cold air as well as the viruses that tend to last longer in the winter months. If possible try to breathe through your nose as this helps warm the air and helps prevent the cold shock to your airways. 

Remember: Don’t be afraid to ask for help; if the cold weather is too much for you, then friends and family are often happy to help with shopping. Your GP or other Heath Care Professionals will know other services in your area you could access to help you through the winter such as meal on wheels. 

We hope you have a happy, safe and warm winter!

For more information on staying warm this winter please follow your local ICB guidelines