A special handbook advising older people on where to find help with heating and Health problems this winter has been launched.

Titled Keep Warm Keep Well, the free guide is the product of a partnership between Government health departments and charities Age Concern and Help the Aged.

It includes details of the financial and practical help available for keeping homes warm, including information about winter fuel and cold weather payments.

Explaining the need for the handbook, North Essex Health authority spokesman Sue MacArthur said: "Every winter older people experience problems such as heating their homes, paying fuel bills, keeping themselves warm and coping with colds and flu.

"This year's Keep Warm Keep Well campaign aims to provide useful advice on how to stay healthy in the winter months, together with information about financial and practical help available."

Mrs MacArthur advises people over 65 to get flu jabs as winter draws in.

And she outlined a number of guidelines for keeping warm. These are:

Dress well. Wear several thin layers of clothes rather than one thick layer and wear something on your head when you go outdoors. Wear dry, flat, no-slip shoes or boots, especially in frosty weather.

Eat well. Aim to have at least one hot meal a day, and drink hot drinks regularly throughout the day.

Keep moving. This generates body heat, so activity will help you. Do not stay sitting still for long periods.

Keep your home warm. Try to maintain a temperature of 21 degrees C during the day.

As a minimum, keep the living room warm and warm your bedroom and bed before going to bed.

The Keep Warm Keep Well handbook is available from post offices and doctors' surgeries.

Or you can get a copy by calling the Winter Warmth advice line on 0800 085 7000.

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