Free thermometers

Free thermometers for Welsh pensioners

Age Cymru and NHS Direct team up to tackle winter illnesses

WELSH PENSIONERS can get a free thermometer to make sure their homes are warm enough during the winter months.

Age Cymru has teamed up with NHS Direct Wales to produce the thermometers to help older people stay in good health over the winter.

Age Cymru’s Health Initiatives Officer Rhian Pearce explains:

“Older people need to look after their health during the winter months because the cold can have a detrimental effect on their health.

“Exposure to cold temperatures can lead to older people suffering from hypothermia and increase the risk of a stroke, heart attack or respiratory illnesses.

“This is why it is so important that older people are able to monitor the temperature in their homes and keep it between the safe range of 65 and 70 degrees Farenheit, which is 18 to 21 degrees Celsius.”  

The thermometers are available from NHS Direct Wales and participating Age Concerns across Wales as part of the Keep Well this Winter campaign.

Leanne Hawker, the Partners in Healthcare Lead for the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust/NHS Direct Wales says:

"These thermometers are a simple way to help people stay safe and warm in their homes this winter.

“The thermometers also have contact details for NHS Direct Wales - we are available to answer winter health enquiries 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.’’

For your free thermometer, contact NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647, or telephone a participating Age Concern.