KEEP WARM this winter

As the temperatures start to drop, staying warm is essential, especially for those over 65 or with existing health problems. ‘Getting cold raises blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke,’ says Dr Saadi Doha, a GP in Greenwich, London. Plus, says Dr Doha, ‘You’re less likely to get pneumonia or flu if you’re warm, because evidence suggests that inhaled cold air increases susceptibility to infections.’ But with the price of heating our houses skyrocketing this year, here are some other things you can do to stay warm and cosy…

WEAR LAYERS, especially those made from fleecy synthetic fibres and wool, rather than cotton. You may not want to wear a coat indoors, but consider a hat, as a lot of heat is lost from your head.

COVER YOUR NOSE AND MOUTH

when you’re out in cold air to reduce irritation to the airways – especially important if you have a lung condition. Wearing a buff is ideal as it keeps your neck warm and can be pulled up over your mouth and nose. Try Buff Merino Lightweight Neckwear (£22.95, buff.com).

Start taking your daily supplement of 10 micrograms of vitamin D, if you aren’t already. ‘The most effective type of vitamin D for raising its status in the body is vitamin D3,’ says Hamilton. Try Boots Vitamin D, £2.30 for 90 tablets.

MOVE FURNITURE AWAY FROM RADIATORS

to allow heat to circulate efficiently, and consider thermal linings for curtains to help your house retain heat. If double glazing is not an option, consider secondary glazing – clear acrylic sheets that fix to the interior of your windows with magnetic strips (so that you can remove them). Send measurements to companies such as theplasticpeople.co.uk, which supply the sheets and strips to install them.

INVEST IN A WEARABLE BLANKET

or electric throw, allowing you to have the heating on a little lower. The Beurer HD75 Heated Electric Blanket Throw (£49.99, stressnomore.co.uk) has six heat settings – perfect for draping over yourself when you’re working from home – and is a cheaper way to stay warm than putting on the heating.

WEAR SLIPPERS – when your body is trying to keep your core warm, it takes heat from your extremities, so avoid letting them get cold in the first place by wearing thick socks with grips on the soles or fleece slippers. Also, try elevating your feet when you’re sitting down, as the air at floor level is coldest.

KEEP YOUR WRISTS WARM

– blood vessels are close to the surface of the skin at the wrists, so keeping them warm will make your hands feel warmer. Fingerless gloves are a good solution for this if you’re in the house but need your fingers free. Try Classic Black Cashmere Fingerless Gloves (£20.30, turtle-doves.co.uk).

For information on how to use your home heating to keep warm with the least energy use, visit energysavingtrust.org.uk

Make sure you get outside and move, whatever the weather