Keeping well - this winter
How does cold weather affect your health?
Each winter in Barnet hundreds of people suffer from serious preventable illnesses such as heart attack, stroke and pneumonia due to cold weather. Around 100 additional deaths occur from these illnesses in Barnet each winter compared to the rest of the year. Most of this is preventable. There are links further down the page explaining where you can get help.
Did you know?
- Below 12°C (55°F): arteries narrow, increasing your blood pressure and dramatically increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke
- Below 16°C (61°F): the tubes in your lungs narrow and are less able to clear mucous, thus increasing the risk of chest infection
- Below -25°C (-13°F): remarkably, people living in Eastern Siberia have fewer health problems as a result of cold weather than people living in Barnet. This is despite the fact that temperatures in Eastern Siberia regularly drop below -25°C (-13°F).
What can you do to stay well in winter?
Wrap up warm
In Eastern Siberia people will wear several layers of clothing rather than one thick layer, as the warmth from your body is trapped between layers. Nor would they ever leave the house without wearing a hat and gloves.
Keep warm indoors
Your home is more likely to stay warm if it is well insulated and the heating is working properly. Also, remember to keep moving and have regular hot drinks and soups. Information on grants for insulation and heating improvements.
Get your jabs
If you are over 65, or have a long-standing health problem, make sure you get a flu jab every year to protect you from flu. You should also have the pneumococcal jab, which is given once and protects you against infections caused by the pneumococcus bug such as pneumonia, meningitis and septicaemia. See our NHS links for more health advice.
Be prepared
Keeping your cupboards stocked may be a livesaver if you cannot get out when it is cold. Also, check that your heating system works before you need it.
Check on others
Older people are most at risk when it is cold and are often unaware of just how much the temperature drops inside their home. Make sure they are keeping warm.
Where can I get more help?
Health advice
Contact your GP for a free flu jab or pneumococcal jab if you are over 65 or have a long-standing health problem.
For more information on keeping well this winter and local health services visit Barnet NHS
If you are feeling unwell and want immediate advice you can call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
Keeping your house warm
Barnet Council’s Private Sector Housing Team may be able to help with grants for insulation and heating improvements if you are on certain means-tested benefits. They can also put you in touch with other organisations like Warm Front or the Energy Savings Trust. Call 020 8359 7462.
The team may also be able to help you if you are a tenant, with defects to your property which have not been addressed by your landlord. Call 020 8359 7995 or email housingconditions@barnet.gov.uk
Handyperson Scheme, Age UK Barnet
This provides small household repairs like fitting draught excluders for older people in the borough. Call 020 8359 7462.
Winter Fuel Payment Helpline
Most people over pension credit age are entitled to the winter fuel payment to help with heating costs. Contact the helpline if you have not received it. Call 0845 915 1515.
Home Heat Helpline
This provides advice for people having difficulty paying their fuel bills. Call 0800 336 699.
Social Care Direct
You may be entitled to some additional financial help, especially during periods of very cold weather. Please contact the Social Care Direct team on 020 8359 5000 or email socialcaredirect@barnet.gov.uk
Email this pageLast modified by: Webmaster on 07/12/2011