Winter time presents a number of challenges for health especially for older people, the young and vulnerable groups.

There’s more to feeling ‘under the weather’ than most people realise. The cold weather, combined with low levels of sunlight after the clocks go back, mean that many of us feel in poor health.

In 2009, there were 250 winter deaths in Cambridgeshire that might have been prevented if those people received help in reducing the risks associated with living in cold conditions.

Severe cold snaps can have dramatic effects on everyday life, especially for those people who are already vulnerable as a result of their age, illness or disability. 

To keep yourself healthy in cold weather use our top tips:
• Get a seasonal flu jab
• Eat well
• Heat your home well
• Get financial support
• Look after yourself and others 

Support available to help you keep warm and well this winter

If you are an older person, have an on going health problem or have young children, you may be having problems keeping warm and healthy this winter. You may for example find it difficult to go out to shop or have difficulty in heating your home. There are services to help with these problems. Ask your doctor or nurse about this support. Or if you want to find out more yourself about the services and if you able to receive this support:

Call 01223 714433 or 07880 781624 or email : whhp.countyproject@care-network.org.uk

For more information on what support is available see our Cambridgeshire Warm Homes Healthy People page.

In association with Cambridgeshire County Council and The Care Network.

This project is funded through the Department of Health.