Cold Weather deaths on the rise

The death toll due to cold weather in England and Wales is 25,000 as per the official figures released.

This is a seasonal death was mainly because the older pensioners were not provided enough insulation and support to keep their houses warm This was a national scandal said the Older people's charities

The statistics department say that the excess winteer deaths occurred between December and march. This year the winder was milder and there were lower levels of flu infection In spite of this there was significantly higher death rate .in northern Europe.

During winters the older people are more prone to death. Last year half the deaths were among people older than 85. and the other 0% was in the age group of 65 to 85.. People died of heart attacks bronchial, strokes and other conditions said the Age Concern a charity. People with respiratory ailments especially elders were vulnerable. "It is a scandal that so many people over 65 are put at risk every winter. More needs to be done for older people so that they can heat their homes adequately without worrying about cost." Said Gordon Lishman director general. ely without worrying about cost."

"Many pensioners still agonise about whether or not to heat their homes in the cold weather. In the world's fourth richest country, this is simply shameful. The £200 winter fuel payment and the basic state pension have both failed to keep pace with rising costs of energy." Said another charity Help age.

"The NHS is helping people, particularly the most vulnerable, to stay healthy during winter. Last year more than 71% of people over 65 received a free flu jab - the highest ever takeup. This year we are ... making flu jabs available to everyone with a chronic condition such as diabetes and asthma, so they will be less vulnerable to flu. Cross-government activity, including winter fuel payments, helps older people lead healthier lives during winter.",Said a Department of Health spokeswoman

Source-Medindia
NLA