During the winter, it can get very cold in the UK, especially when the temperatures drop for longer periods of time and things start to freeze. Keeping warm is essential for our health and in particular if you have older people, babies or people with other health conditions in your home it is even more important that you keep the house warm and cosy in the winter.
Making sure that your heating is working properly by getting a professional like this Evesham boilers company http://www.combi-man.com/boiler-finance/boiler-finance-evesham/ to come and check it, having plenty of warm meals and drinks and using blankets and hot water bottles in bed at night are some of the things that you can do to help stay warm.
If not, you or those in the house may run the risk of these health conditions…
Hypothermia – This is a condition that happens when the body becomes too cold. It is dangerous and can lead to death. The symptoms of hypothermia include becoming delirious and shivering violently. The person suffering from it may also stop noticing the cold. If you suspect someone of having hypothermia, you must get them to a hospital or call an ambulance straight away.
Cardiovascular Problems – Colder temperatures can affect the blood pressure which in turn then can trigger a serious cardiovascular problem, such as a heart attack or a stroke. People who have existing problems with the heart or circulatory system as well as older people are more at risk of this problem.
Respiratory Illness – When the house is cold, it can also often be damp. This then leads to mould forming, which is not good for health, and in particular can affect people who have already got respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD.
Infection – When it is cold, the mucus that helps to protect the body from infections can start to dry out, which then leaves people more vulnerable to infections. From colds and flus that are commonplace in the winter, to bacterial pneumonia, there are lots of infections that can cause serious health problems during the winter months, especially for vulnerable people.
Mental Health – The cold can also take its toll on mental health. Being cold and uncomfortable for long periods of time can start to cause more mental illnesses like depression or worsen pre-existing mental illness.
