With freezing temperatures and icy conditions sweeping across the UK, the NHS is offering practical advice to help people stay warm and safe at home. In light of multiple yellow weather alerts and sub-zero temperatures forecasted by the Met Office, a medical centre in Lincolnshire has shared top tips to combat the cold effectively.
One surprising recommendation from Moulton Medical Centre is to keep your feet elevated on a stool when sitting. This simple action takes advantage of the natural tendency of warm air to rise, helping you avoid cold floor-level air, which tends to be the chilliest spot in a room. Additionally, moving your legs periodically can boost circulation and keep your feet warmer.
The NHS also emphasizes the importance of wearing socks, slippers, or shoes indoors to protect against cold feet, which can impact overall body warmth. Wearing dry, waterproof footwear outside is crucial since damp socks or shoes transfer heat away from your feet, increasing the risk of chills.
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For hand warmth, the advice includes wearing properly fitting gloves that aren’t too tight, allowing warmth to circulate while preventing cold air from entering through gaps. Regularly wiggling fingers can stimulate blood flow, maintaining hand warmth more effectively.
Other practical suggestions include pulling down sleeves to trap heat and minimizing exposed skin to retain body warmth. With parts of the UK experiencing temperatures as low as minus 10°C, these simple measures can make a big difference in comfort and health.
Overall, these NHS tips offer easy and accessible ways to stay warm and reduce risks associated with cold weather, especially for vulnerable groups, during the winter freeze.