As we prepare for the cold snap in the weather, the HSE is encouraging people to ‘Keep Warm Keep Well’ as part of its Winter Initiative. The HSE information booklet, ‘Keep Well This Winter’, which is aimed particularly at older and vulnerable people, is now available from HSE Information Line on 1850 24 1850. The booklet gives lots of useful tips and advice on keeping safe and healthy this winter and includes contact details for services available to offer help and support to those who may need it this winter.

The ‘Keep Warm Keep Well’ booklet highlights what you can do to protect your health and wellbeing during the winter season. Cold weather can be a problem for anyone but particularly older people, people with a disability and those with long-term illness. The HSE developed the booklet in collaboration with the ESB, Age Action Ireland, Sustainable Energy Ireland, An Post, Combat Poverty and the Department of Social and Family Affairs.  The eight page booklet gives information on a wide range of topics including the following:

Health Advice - tips on eating properly, how to exercise sensibly and dress warmly;

Eating well
Keeping active
Signs and symptoms of hypothermia
Seasonal Flu injection
Heating and Energy Advice – how to keep warm and save money on your heating bills by improving your insulation, heating systems and being energy efficient;

Free electricity, gas and fuel allowances
Keeping the home warm
Useful Tips

Meals on Wheels
Home Safety
Home Security
Useful Contact Numbers - grants, benefits and support services to help you stay warm and well this winter

ESB Customer Supply 1850 372 372
ESB Power Cuts 1850 372 999
Money Advice and Budgeting Services (MABS) 1890 283 438
St Vincent de Paul (SVP) 01 855 0022 (if you live in Dublin)  01 838 6990 (if you live outside Dublin)
Noel Mulvihill, HSE Assistant National Director for Older Persons commented; “This information booklet seeks to give people the information they need to help themselves. A few important steps can make all the difference between people staying well and becoming ill over the winter. We’re trying to encourage people and families with elderly relatives to follow the advice and tips contained in the pack to stay warm and healthy.”

“Our goal with this information campaign is to help people stay healthy in their own homes and the elderly and more vulnerable in society may need some assistance with this. The message for the public is to be a good neighbour, be aware and check on your neighbours and older relatives. Don’t leave it to others – they may have left it to you”

People can order a ‘Keep Well This Winter’ booklet by telephoning the HSE’s Information Line on 1850 241850, the booklet is also available to download here