Keeping warm

It is essential to keep warm when the weather is cold and there are some simple measures you can take to stay healthy, live well and keep warm.  

There is also a range of financial support, which you may be entitled to, for helping you to keep warm and to put towards other home and emergency improvements.

You are more likely to catch cold or flu during winter, and cold weather can also cause other serious health problems like pneumonia.  As well as increasing the chances of slips and falls, cold winter weather can lower your body temperature and could lead to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and breathing difficulties.

Financial support

• Wrap up Leeds – Homeowners and people renting privately can get free cavity wall and/or loft insulation through the council in our Wrap Up Leeds scheme.  See the download on the bottom of the page.
• The Warm Front Scheme ended on 19 January 2013. You can’t apply for it now but existing applications will still be processed.  For more information see the link on the right.
• Most fuel providers are part of the Warm Homes Discount Scheme where, if you qualify, you can get £135 discount on your electricuty bill.  See link on right for details.
• The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment from the Government to help people aged 60 and over with the costs of keeping warm during winter.
  

Of course, extra home insulation will not only keep you warmer all year round, but will also save you money on your bills and is better for the environment.

Tips to keep warm:
Dress well - wear several thin layers of clothes, rather than one thick layer so the warmth from your body will get trapped between the layers. In the coldest weather, the best way to keep warm in bed is to wear bed socks and a nightcap or scarf around your head, as well as thermal underwear and a warm nightdress or pyjamas.

Eating  - food is fuel. Try to eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of hot drinks on cold days. Have a hot drink before bedtime and prepare a thermos flask of hot drink to have by your bed in case you wake up in the night feeling cold.

Exercise  - moving around generates extra body heat, so stay as active as you can during winter, but do not take risks outside in wet or icy weather. Try not to sit down for long periods and spread chores out throughout the day so you can alternate between rest and activity.

For more hints and tips and advice from Age UK and the Department of Health, see the downloads below and the links on the right of the page.