Older Adults Advised to Eat Hot Meals During Winter

NHS England and Public Health England have launched a campaign to help the vulnerable stay well. Tips include setting a thermostat to no lower than 18C, wrapping up warm and consuming hot meals and drinks. There were 43,900 excess winter deaths in England and Wales in 2014/15, the Office for National Statistics says.

The Stay Well This Winter campaign also urges those eligible for the flu vaccination to have the injection and encourages those suffering from a cough or cold to get early help from a pharmacist. It says: "Food is a vital source of energy, which keeps your body warm. Try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day and keep active in the home if you can."

The campaign is reminding people food is a vital source of energy, which keeps the body warm. There were 43,900 excess winter deaths in England and Wales in 2014/15 according to the Office for National Statistics.

Research shows those aged 75 and over are most at risk with an estimated 36,300 excess winter deaths in this age group. People with conditions such as heart disease, lung problems and dementia are more likely to die in winter according to research.

Colder temperatures increases blood pressure, which heightens the risk of heart failure, kidney disease and stroke. It is vital that the most vulnerable people take preventative steps to keep healthy and stay well.

Source-Medindia