The cold winter weather is rapidly approaching, and with it comes potential health & well-being risks for our friends, family, or even ourselves.

It's important to look out for ourselves and our loved ones during this season, but at Solent Mobility Centre, we have five great tips for keeping well and warm!

Keep reading to discover them all.

1) Keep Moving

It's always a good idea to keep active, but we understand the chilly weather can easily make us want to stay curled up under blankets.

However, not moving can not only make us feel colder, but it also brings the risk of aches and pressure sores for your older friends and family. We recommend that you get up and move around, even for a few minutes every hour or so.

If you're unable to get up and walk or are in a wheelchair, you can still warm up with movement by doing some chair exercises or simply moving your fingers or toes. It all counts!

2) Eat Well

Another simple yet essential tip on our list.

Eating well and plenty during winter is ideal for staying energised whilst keeping warm. As we lack sunshine during this season, we struggle to gather some of the nutrients our bodies need.

Maintaining a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables will help you feel refreshed and well when the weather is gloomy.

It's also good to eat more warm meals and drink plenty of hot drinks if you can. If you know someone who may be struggling to cook, you could offer to cook and enjoy a hot meal with them.

3) Stay Warm

Stating the obvious here, but it's essential to stay as warm as possible on those chilly days!

It's best to wear multiple thin layers rather than one thick layer, as thin layers of clothes trap in warm air between them. If you're popping outside, then be sure to bring a hat, scarf and some gloves too.

If you're finding it too cold at night, you could either wear some warm, fluffy socks or keep a hot water bottle in your bed. However, you should NEVER use a hot water bottle under or with an electric blanket.

Lastly, you can stay warm at home by making sure all draughts are blocked out. Keep all windows and doors closed around the house to trap in more warm air.

4) Reduce Risks

As we mentioned earlier, cold weather can increase health risks for vulnerable people and potentially ourselves.

But you don't need to worry! There are a few things you can do to reduce these possible risks. To start, stay stocked up on essential medication (if you need any) as well as food and other essential products.

That way, if it snows, which is unlikely for Hampshire but never impossible, you'll have everything you need without the stress of trying to get to a shop.

The winter also brings frosty mornings, which can be slippery and even dangerous if you're prone to falls. We recommend wearing non-slip or well-gripped shoes to help balance better.

1) Stay In Touch

Finally, for our last tip, we always think it's a good idea to stay in contact with friends and loved ones!

Many people find this time of year gloomy and lonely; you may even find that you feel this way too. So, talk to people. Even a quick chat can make someone's day, if not your own.

Be sure to keep your emergency contacts close; you never know when you may need them.

We hope you found our advice useful!

At Solent Mobility Centre, we understand that winter can be a tough season for some. If your loved ones have any issues with their mobility aids over the cold season, give us a call, and we'll assist you as soon as possible.

Stay safe and enjoy the winter.