Department of Health Advise 'Extra Precautions'

With Ireland experiencing record breaking cold weather, the Department of Health has advised a number of extra precautions to avoid health risks during the chilling winter.

In a statement released today, the department reminded people to be extra vigilant during the current cold spell and to take all possible actions to minimise public health risks.

"Cold weather can be a problem for anyone, especially older people, children, people with a disability and those with long-term illness," a spokesman said.

He added: "Food is fuel and if you eat well it helps keep you warm. Keep active by walking around the house regularly. Wear several layers of light clothes instead of one thick layer. Wear clothes made from wool, cotton or fleecy synthetic fibres. In very cold weather:"

The department advised people to sleep with warm bedding and warm pyjamas or night dresses, wear bed socks and a night cap and to keep a flask with a hot drink by your bed.

Among other advise, the Department gave a number of suggestion for maintaining a warm home.

"Keep the living room warm throughout the day (21º C if active, 24º C if inactive). Close the curtains in the evening. Heat your bedroom before going to bed and make sure the room is warm before you get up in the morning."

The advise, posted on the Department's website, said there had been an increase in people attending emergency departments as a result of slips and falls in the ice saying that ice on pavements represented a major risk to all ages and people should take extra care when walking outside.

Dr Philip Crowley, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health and Children, said: "It is important that we all take the recommended precautions given the unusually prolonged and severe cold weather. It is expected that the current spell will continue and be more severe in some parts of the country. We must look out for each other in our communities to make sure no one is stranded or in difficulties."

Vigilance was also advised for relatives and neighbours of older people who may be isolated in their homes, as they are cautious about the conditions for walking outside.

"It is important that we all make sure that our elderly relatives and neighbours are safe, warm and have the necessary supplies and any prescription drugs that they need," the statement said.

(DW/GK)