It's important during these cold winter months to keep as warm as possible.

Keep Your House Warm and Snug:

Make sure your living area and bedroom are warm enough. The recommended temperature is 21 degrees Celsius. If it falls below 16 degrees Celsius elderly people are more at risk of a stroke or heart attack. However much you like fresh air try and keep all windows closed during the cold weather.

Try to heat your bedroom overnight in the winter, if this isn't possible, heat it before you go to bed and take a hot water bottle with you or invest in an electric blanket. Remember - don't use the hot water bottle and electric blanket together as this could be dangerous.

Keep Active:

Whether it's vacuuming or walking to the shops; dusting or dancing, keeping active will help you feel warmer.

If you have problems moving around then try wriggling your toes and fingers to keep the blood circulating around you body. Or try some armchair exercises with your legs and arms.

Fuel for Your Body:

Regular warm meals and drinks will help you stay warmer for longer.

Try to eat at least one cooked meal a day, foods like potatoes, bread, beans, eggs, fish and meat are all excellent sources of vitamins, carbohydrates and protein.

Don't forget fresh fruit and vegetables, they will keep you healthy so if you do come down with a cold you'll be better equipped to fight it off.

Remember to stock up on store cupboard essentials which will save you going to the shops in the cold / snow. This Help the Aged leaflet Help the Aged Healthy Eating on healthy eating offers good ideas for your winter store cupboard.

A warm drink before bed will help keep your body temperature up.

Wrapping Up:

Layering thinner clothing will keep you warmer than just one big jumper. A vest, shirt and thin cardigan or jumper will help you feel cosy all day. Fleece, wool and polyester tend to be warmer.

Thick tights and socks are a must have, layer them up topped off with a pair of warm slippers or shoes.

A warm blanket or shawl is handy for wrapping around your shoulders when sitting down.

Wearing the right clothes to bed is a great way to stay warm. A pair of thick pyjamas, thermal underwear and thick bed-socks will keep you warm through the night.

Make sure you dress properly when you venture outside. Layers under your coat, hat and gloves are perfect for keeping the heat in. Remember a lot of your body heat is lost through your head.

If you get wet make sure you change into dry clothing as soon as possible.

For further information, please see the Cymdogion Cynnes document which is full of information on keeping warm over the winter.

You can also visit our 'Club Cosy' page, which provides information on fuel syndicates in your local area.