People Urged To Take Extra Care In Cold Weather, UK

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 07 Jan 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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With the cold weather set to continue, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Jane Wilkinson, is reminding people of simple steps to stay safe and well during this cold weather.

The Met Office is predicting that temperatures will continue to hover around freezing this week, with overnight temperatures across much of Wales falling well below freezing.

Dr Wilkinson said it is important that people check to see if elderly relatives and neighbours are managing during the cold snap.

"The cold weather can have a major impact on people's health and well-being," she said. "It can aggravate many conditions, especially if people have asthma or other respiratory conditions. I would encourage people check to see if elderly relatives and neighbours are managing when the weather is very cold."

The Welsh Assembly Government's annual Keep Well This Winter campaign aims to help people, particularly those who are over 60 or those younger and have chronic conditions, of simple but effective measures to help keep themselves safe and well in the winter months.

"The campaign highlights the importance of wearing several layers of clothing, having regular hot meals and drinks and the need to keep at least one room in the house warm. "It is particularly important to be very careful when out in icy weather as pavements and paths can be very slippery. "We know that a number of people are suffering from colds and flu at the moment. If you are eligible for a flu jab, because you are over 60 or you have a chronic condition, and have not had your jab, please contact your GP practice to make an appointment."

Notes

Further information on the Keep Well This Winter campaign is available at http://www.kwtw.org.uk

Keep Well This Winter is part of the Welsh Assembly Government's response to Health Challenge Wales, the national focus for improving the health and well-being of the people of Wales. Further information on Health Challenge Wales is available on line at http://www.wales.gov.uk/healthchallenge

The latest weather information can be found on the Met Office website at: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk

The Health Minister, Edwina Hart, announced measures to help ease winter pressures on the NHS 19 December. More information is available here.

Health Challenge Wales