The Island’s NHS is urging Islanders to be aware of the risks faced during cold weather.  This news is in addition to Island’s NHS Patients ‘Choose Well’ This Winter

The Government’s ‘Keep Warm Keep Well’ campaign gives important advice to older people on how to stay fit and healthy through the winter. Keep warm keep well” leaflets are available in local GP’s surgeries, pharmacies or council offices.

• Click HERE: Download a guide for people over 60 (PDF, 199K)
• Click HERE: Download a guide for families (PDF, 188K)
• Click HERE: to Download a guide for people with disabilities or long-term health conditions (PDF, 196K)

Andy Hollebon, Head of Communications for the Island’s NHS said:

“People need to take extra care during cold weather, particularly older people, families with young children and people with disabilities or long-term health conditions. Cold weather is serious and claims lives every year. It can make heart and respiratory problems worse and for those people who are unable to afford to heat their homes adequately it can lead to serious health complications.”

People can take the following practical steps to minimise the risks to themselves during periods of cold weather:

• Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day – if possible, eating regularly helps to keep energy levels up during winter
• Wear several light layers of warm clothes
• Keep as active as possible
• Remember to wrap up warm if you need to go outside on cold days

Public Health Minister Gillian Merron said: “Cold weather is especially dangerous for older people or those with serious illnesses.

Yvonne Doyle, Regional Director of Public Health (South East Coast) said:

“Remembering the needs of friends, relatives and neighbours who could be at risk is essential. In particular, they need to keep their home at the right temperature – between 18 and 21 degrees centigrade or 64 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit -, and if they can’t heat all the rooms they use, they should heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before they go to sleep. The elderly, and those who are ill, are particularly vulnerable during cold weather.”

This news is in addition to Island’s NHS Patients ‘Choose Well’ This Winter

Andy Hollebon said:

“The Choose Well campaign aims to help everyone get the right care and treatment in the right place, ensuring that emergency services are available for those who really need them. The colour coded thermometer should help you choose the service which is most appropriate for you.   Choosing the right service will help reduce the pressure on emergency services and ensure everyone receives appropriate and timely care.”

Anyone feeling unwell are encouraged to Choose Well this winter. NHS Isle of Wight are helping people to choose the right NHS service if they need expert health advice or treatment.