Coventry residents are once again being reminded to take extra precautions as colder weather continues this week.

There are around 4,200 avoidable excess deaths in the West Midlands every winter due to the cold conditions. Some of the reasons for these include slips and trips on icy ground where fractured and broken bones led to further complications such as blood clots and pressure sores.

NHS Coventry and Rugby Clinical Commissioning Group is urging the most vulnerable and those caring to take a few simple precautions to protect themselves from the cold – as it could save their life. Here are some top tips…

Heat your home well

By setting your heating to the right temperature (between 18-21⁰C) you can still keep your home warm and lower your bills. If you feel cold at night, use a hot water bottle or electric blanket – but never use both together. It is especially important if you’re at home all day.

Eat well and have plenty of fluids

Food and water are vital sources of energy, and they help keep your body warm. Try to make sure you and your family have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day.

Get a flu jab

You can get free flu jabs to protect against seasonal flu from your GP or local pharmacy if you are a carer or over 65, pregnant, or have a long-term condition.

Look after yourself and others

On very cold days try to avoid going outside. However, if you do need to go out, remember to wrap up warm and take care on slippery surfaces. If you have an older neighbour or relative, look out for them during the winter to make sure they are safe and well.

Keep your medicine cabinet well stocked

If you’re on medication, make sure you get your repeat prescriptions in time so you don’t run out. If you haven’t already, talk to your GP practice about registering for Patient Online. Simply complete the paperwork and you’ll be able to request repeat prescriptions online as well as make GP appointments. Check to make sure you have enough over the counter remedies for coughs and colds so you don’t need to leave home unless you have to. For more information, tips and advice on how to keep safe and well this winter, visit www.nhs.uk/livewell/winterhealth

Advice is also available for people concerned about somebody who is unable to adequately heat their home or would like information about keeping energy bills down, benefits entitlements and qualification for loft and cavity wall insulation.

If you live in Coventry, call the city council’s Fuel Poverty Team for advice on 024 7683 2330 or visit the website.

Diwali is the Hindu festival of light and symbolises the victory of good over evil, light over dark. Festivities are conducted over a 5 day period and are celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. This year the Diwali period is from 5 - 9 November.

Diwali is a time for family. This is why many events are focused around the wider family unit, such as coming together for a feast. Other popular Diwali traditions include: decorating houses, shops and public places with oil lamps called Diya’s, making Rangoli artwork and enjoying fireworks.

Diwali can elicit feelings of happiness and joy amongst those celebrating, as it often provides an opportunity to socialise and reconnect with the wider community and culture. Additionally, reminiscence of past contented times can be a highlight for many people.

Despite the positives that come with such celebrations, Diwali can be a stressful and worrying time for loved ones with dementia. This is because some aspects of the celebrations may now be considered frightening, such as the loud sound of fireworks, even if this was a well-loved activity prior to diagnosis.

Alzheimer’s Society has put together a dementia-friendly Diwali guide which provides a few ideas on how to adapt your celebrations. If you would like a copy of this or more information on creating a Diwali which can be enjoyed by both you and your loved one please telephone Coventry Alzheimer’s Society office on 024 7665 2602 or email us on coventry@alzheimers.org.uk