It’s certainly feeling chilly at the moment and forecasters are predicting it is going to turn even colder over the weekend and into next week, with a strong and cold northerly wind, and the possibility of some disruptive snow which may accumulate. And whilst next week it’s set to stay on the cold side, it comes with a risk of widespread and disruptive snow which the Met Office says is due to a northerly arctic airmass exerting its influence on the UK’s weather.
As we all brace ourselves for the cold weather ahead, in this blog, we’re going to take a look at what cold weather can mean for our health, what we can do to protect ourselves against any adverse effects of the cold, and how we can prepare for the cold days ahead.
Cold weather – how it impacts health
Along with the usual winter coughs, colds and minor illnesses, when we’re exposed to cold weather it can affect our body’s ability to fight off infection, not to mention the increased risk from slipping or falling in icy conditions.
When we get cold, the blood vessels in our skin contract and our blood thickens. Which can put a strain on our circulatory system, increase heart rates and blood pressure, and constrict our lungs, causing us to wheeze and cough. Older people in particular and those with weakened immune systems or who have pre-existing health conditions are more vulnerable to the cold which can have a serious impact on their health. So what can we all do?
Reach for your woollies and fluffy socks
Wrapping up warm in cold weather is essential to maintain your body temperature and keep your circulation flowing. Dressing warmly with several layers of loose-fitting clothing is recommended for optimal warmth, with an inner layer to hold in body heat, an insulation layer to help retain heat by trapping air close to your body, and an outer layer, preferably which is wind and water resistant, for when you’re outside and exposed to the elements. And mittens are warmer than gloves. Of course, there’s always a balance between getting overheated and keeping warm, but layers can be removed as and when required.
It's also important to protect your nose from cold weather conditions, as when our noses get cold, it increases the production of mucus which reduces our protection from viruses. Wear a scarf, wrapped around your face to keep the warmth in and the cold out, and you could even use a moisturiser or petroleum jelly to prevent it from getting chapped in the cold weather.
Eat well and insulate from the inside out
As we all hunker down for the cold weather, it’s important we provide our bodies with the energy needed to keep warm by eating well and staying hydrated. Hearty winter stews are ideal for radiating inner heat, as are healthy soups and warm drinks.
Consider boosting your vitamin D intake to keep well and keep your bones, teeth, and muscles healthy. Sunlight is restricted in winter months, and the sun is not strong enough for the body to make vitamin D. It can also be difficult to get enough vitamin D from food (foods containing vitamin D include oily fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel, red meat, liver and egg yolks), so consider taking a supplement.
Keep up with vaccinations
If you are eligible for a flu, pneumonia, COVID-19 or even a shingles vaccine and have not yet had it, now’s the time to do so and protect yourself and those you live with.
Stay warm at home
If your house is cold, it can increase your risk of respiratory infections and other health issues, so keep your home at a comfortable temperature. After all, a cold home is bad for your health. But if you’re concerned about your energy costs, only heat the rooms you’re using.
Reduce heat loss by closing curtains, using draught excluders at the bottom of doors and draught-proofing strips around window frames, and maximise heat output from radiators by moving furniture away to allow hot air to flow around the room and by putting reflective foil behind them.
One great tip is to leave your oven door open once you’ve finished cooking to let the heat escape into your kitchen – after all, why waste it!
If you use heating oil or LPG to heat your home, remember to check your tank and make sure you have plenty to see you through the cold spell. If you’re running low, or would like a top up, don’t wait but order now. Often in cold spells, demand increases along with delivery times, so get ahead and place your order as soon as you can.
Protect your pipes
Whilst heating oil only freezes at extremely low temperatures, typically at minus 47 degrees Celsius, pipes that are exposed to the elements or are in unheated areas can freeze. Frozen pipes can lead to burst pipes and water damage – definitely something to avoid if at all possible.
Pipe insulation sleeves, which can be bought very cheaply from your DIY, add a layer of protection which can help prevent pipes from freezing. They work by creating a barrier between the pipe and the surrounding environment.
Stock up
It’s a good idea to stock up on essentials, such as food and drink that doesn’t require electricity to heat up if there is a power cut as well as spare batteries for your torch.
Prepare your motor and travel safely
Keep an eye on the weather forecast daily to help you prepare.
Plan ahead and pop a few essentials in your boot. De-icer and an ice scraper will always come in handy in freezing weather conditions. Pack a shovel, a blanket, some warm clothing, and sturdy footwear with good grips, along with a power bank so you can keep your phone charged.
Also, check your tyres for wear and tear, check your tyre pressure, make sure you have adequate tread and don’t forget to check your spare tyre too. Plus check your vehicle’s antifreeze and fluid levels as well as the level of your screen wash.
The RAC has some useful winter driving advice on their website to help you drive safely and reduce your chances of breaking down. RAC Breakdown spokesperson Simon Williams said ‘With an increasing risk of snow and ice at the start of next week we urge drivers to make sure they travel fully prepared’.
Sign up for our Cold Weather Priority scheme
If you’re over 75 or chronically ill or disabled and a Northern Energy customer, whether you use heating oil, LPG or both, give us a call and register for our Cold Weather Priority Scheme. It’s free to register, and will ensure that you receive priority fuel deliveries to prevent you running out and being left in the cold.
Of course, whatever the weather, we’ll still be out and about delivering to our customers. And we’re always here just at the end of the phone to offer help and advice too – just call us on 01423 770 666. And if you use heating oil, we’re here to provide you with a quote and take your order. Alternatively, you can order online.
If you’re an LPG user and we’re your supplier, get in touch on 01423 772 789 if you’d like your tank topping up, or alternatively if you are thinking of switching to us from another supplier, we’d love to talk to you.