Over-65s urged to make heating change from 9am on Thursday

Over-65s urged to make heating change from 9am on Thursday The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow cold-health alert for parts of the UK with households warned to brace for freezing temperatures Everyone aged 65 and over is urged to make a heating adjustment from 9am on Thursday to safeguard against the cold, as the first health alert of the winter has been issued. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow cold-health alert for the North West and West Midlands regions from 9am on Thursday, November 12, until 12pm on Saturday, November 14, with households warned to prepare for freezing temperatures. According to the Met Office forecast, a notably bitter spell of weather is set to sweep across the UK this week, bringing fog, frost and snow showers as the mercury plummets. The colder air is expected to become increasingly entrenched on Wednesday, while Thursday looks likely to be the coldest day of the week, with temperatures only climbing to around 4C to 6C in certain areas. The wintry conditions follow a warning from the Met Office this month that a polar vortex could usher in colder weather and the possibility of snow across the UK this winter, as a knock-on effect of the El Niño weather phenomenon. The forecaster revealed that the polar vortex, which sits approximately 10 to 50km above the Earth's surface and circulates a mass of bitterly cold air over the North Pole, has "weakened and become dramatically stretched", which could drive colder, drier air towards the UK and trigger sleet or snow showers. While the impact of the disruption to the polar vortex remains unclear, this week's cold snap offers the first glimpse of wintry conditions, and with further chilly weather expected in the coming weeks, people are being encouraged to safeguard themselves against the cold - especially those aged 65 and above, reports the Express. Older individuals in this age bracket, along with those living with health conditions and people with limited mobility, are advised to maintain their thermostat at a minimum of 18C at all times, both day and night, to help stay well and guard against the cold as the health alert comes into effect from 9am on Thursday. Maintaining your home at a temperature of at least 18C can help ward off unpleasant winter illnesses, including colds, flu and Covid, as well as more severe health complications such as pneumonia, heart attacks, strokes and depression. Ensure our latest food stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings. In its winter guidance, the Met Office says: "The cold thickens blood and increases blood pressure, and breathing in cold air can increase the risk of chest infections. So it's all the more important to ensure your home and the homes of people you look out for are the right temperature. "Ideally, you should heat your home to a temperature of at least 18C. This is particularly important if you have reduced mobility, are 65 or over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease. Having room temperatures slightly over 18C could be good for your health. "If you are under the age of 65, active and wearing appropriate clothing, you may wish to keep your home at a comfortable temperature even if it is slightly lower than 18C. "Overnight, people who are 65 and over or who have pre-existing health conditions may find bedroom temperatures of at least 18C are good for their health; this may be less important if you are a healthy adult under 65 and have appropriate clothing and bedding. It is important to keep your bedroom window closed at night when the weather is cold." Should you prefer not to heat your entire home, you can choose to warm only the rooms you spend most time in, such as your living room or bedroom, and remember to keep windows shut overnight to help trap warmth indoors. Closing your curtains at dusk will also assist in keeping the heat generated within your rooms. To prevent heat from escaping, use draught excluders to block any gaps around windows and doors, and ensure that radiators in your home aren't obstructed by furniture or curtains. Dr Anya Gopfert, Consultant in Public Health at UKHSA, said: "This is the first cold-health alert of the winter, but we can expect more as we move further into the season. Cold weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, so it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours who are most vulnerable. "We're also reminding people to take simple steps to stay warm and look after their health as temperatures begin to fall. Keeping homes heated where possible and dressing warmly can help people stay safe and well during colder weather." Guidance from the Met Office, NHS and UKHSA further recommends keeping active during cold snaps — even if you're confined indoors due to snow and ice — as this will help your body maintain its temperature and ward off winter ailments such as colds, flu and more serious health complications. You should aim to get up and move around at least once every hour, ensure you have at least one hot meal each day, and layer up with several lighter items of clothing rather than a single thick garment, as this helps to retain body heat more effectively. For those venturing outside in cold conditions, the NHS advises wrapping a scarf around your mouth in the same way you would wear a face mask, to shield yourself from the chill. Doing so allows the air to warm up before it reaches your lungs, which can help lower the risk of triggering asthma symptoms.