Keep warm, keep well

Cold weather can lead to serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

The chances of these problems are higher if you're vulnerable to cold-related illnesses because of one or more of the following:

• you're over 60
• you're on a low income (so can't afford heating)
• you have a long-term health condition such as heart, lung or kidney disease
• you are disabled

Every winter in the UK, 25,000-30,000 deaths are linked to the cold weather. Currently, approximately four million households in the UK are in fuel poverty. This is when a household spends more than 10% of its income to keep warm.

The government's advice on staying warm over the winter aims to reduce cold-related illness and deaths. Key tips include:

• Keep your home warm. Your main living room should be between around 18-21C (64-70F) and the rest of the house at a minimum of 16C (61F). You can also use a hot-water bottle or electric blanket (but not both at the same time) to keep warm while you're in bed.
• Wrap up warm, inside and out. Several thin layers of clothes are better than one thick layer. Don't forget to wear hats, gloves and scarves. If possible, stay inside during a cold period if you have heart or respiratory problems.
• Keep active. Move around at least once an hour and don't sit down for long periods of time. Even light exercise will help keep you warm.
• Look out for elderly friends and neighbours. Check they're safe and well through the winter. Make sure they're warm enough, especially at night, and have stocks of food and medicines so they don't need to go out during very cold weather. If you are worried about a relative or an elderly neighbour, contact your local council or ring the Age UK helpline on 0800 00 99 66.

Read more tips on how to cope in very cold weather.

You may also be able to claim financial and practical help with heating your home. Grants available include the Warm Front Scheme, Winter Fuel Payments and Cold Weather Payments.

The Warm Front Scheme offers grants for heating and insulation improvements up to £3,500 or up to £6,000 if your home needs oil central heating.

To find out if you qualify, call a Warm Front advisor free on 0800 316 2805 (lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am-6pm and Saturdays from 9am-5pm) or visit the Warm Front website.

Winter Fuel Payments of up to £400 are available if you were born on or before July 5 1950.

To find out more about Winter Fuel Payments, call 08459 151515 (8.30am-4.30pm Monday–Friday, textphone 0845 601 5613) or visit www.direct.gov.uk/winterfuel.

Cold Weather Payments may be available to you if you receive certain benefits or have a child who is disabled or under the age of five.

To find out more about Cold Weather Payments contact Jobcentre Plus (you can find the nearest office in the phonebook) or visit www.direct.gov.uk/coldweatherpayment.