Elderly people in Gloucestershire are being reminded of the importance of keeping warm this winter.
Age UK Gloucestershire is getting its message out ahead of a big chill coming to the county this week.
The Met Office has forecast that the severe cold weather is likely to last until at least Thursday with sharp frosts overnight and freezing fog patches likely on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.
Christina Snell, chief executive of the charity, said: "This is just the sort of weather that increases the risk of illness among older people, particularly heart attacks, strokes and breathing problems.
"The longer someone is exposed to cold, the more at risk they are. On average, each winter, there are around 292 excess deaths in Gloucestershire, many of which could have been avoided by taking simple measures."
Age UK Gloucestershire's advice is:
• Keep your living room temperature at 70â°F (21â°C)
• Leave some heating on and keep your bedroom at 65â°F (18â°C) overnight
• Keep your bedroom window closed at night when the weather is cold
• Make sure you wrap up well and wear a hat and scarf when going out in the cold.
If you are worried about energy bills find out if you are on the best tariff or entitled to grants and benefits that will help you pay your energy bills.
For impartial advice call Age UK Gloucestershire's Information and Advice service on 01452 422660.
Age UK Gloucestershire is getting its message out ahead of a big chill coming to the county this week.
The Met Office has forecast that the severe cold weather is likely to last until at least Thursday with sharp frosts overnight and freezing fog patches likely on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.
Christina Snell, chief executive of the charity, said: "This is just the sort of weather that increases the risk of illness among older people, particularly heart attacks, strokes and breathing problems.
"The longer someone is exposed to cold, the more at risk they are. On average, each winter, there are around 292 excess deaths in Gloucestershire, many of which could have been avoided by taking simple measures."
Age UK Gloucestershire's advice is:
• Keep your living room temperature at 70â°F (21â°C)
• Leave some heating on and keep your bedroom at 65â°F (18â°C) overnight
• Keep your bedroom window closed at night when the weather is cold
• Make sure you wrap up well and wear a hat and scarf when going out in the cold.
If you are worried about energy bills find out if you are on the best tariff or entitled to grants and benefits that will help you pay your energy bills.
For impartial advice call Age UK Gloucestershire's Information and Advice service on 01452 422660.