THE NHS is offering guidance on how to keep well this winter to stop the cold weather from affecting your health.

When weather conditions drop to below 8 degrees, people are at an increased risk of suffering a heart attack, stroke, flu, pneumonia, and hypothermia.

The cold conditions can also affect people with mental health issues, such as depression and dementia.

People who will be the most at risk include anyone aged 65 and over, people with a disability, women who are pregnant, and young children aged between newborn to school age.

Others that will struggle from this are people on a low income that can’t afford heating, and someone who have a long-term health condition such as heart, lung or kidney disease. To try and help combat this issue, the NHS suggests keeping room temperatures at 18C, as well as to draw curtains at dusk and keep doors closed to block out draughts.

If anyone is worried about a relative or elderly neighbour, they should contact their local council or call the Age UK helpline on 0800 678 1174. If there are concerns that a person may be suffering from hypothermia, contact NHS 111.