Free thermometers for Wales’s over 60s
Published on 06 December 2013 01:00 PM
WALES'S over 60s can get a free thermometer from their local Age Cymru to help them keep warm this winter
The national older people's charity has produced the bilingual thermometer cards as part of its annual Keep Well this Winter campaign.
Age Cymru's Keep Well this Winter Co-ordinator Rhian Pearce says:
"Older people need to keep their homes warm 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 heat their homes between the safe range of 65 and 70 degrees Farenheit, which is 18 to 21 degrees Celsius.
"Age Cymru has produced these thermometer cards to help older people keep their homes at the right temperature this winter."
Age Cymru runs the Keep Well this Winter campaign on behalf of the Welsh Government. The thermometer card will help tell older people if the room they are in is too cold - this may put them at risk of hypothermia.
It can also tell older people if the room they are in is too hot, in case they overheat, which could also lead to unmanageable fuel bills.
The back of the bilingual thermometer card contains handy tips from the Welsh Government's ‘Choose Well' campaign, about choosing the right NHS Wales service if you become ill or are injured.
This colour-coded guide helps you decide if you need medical attention if you get sick and explains what each NHS service does, and when it should be used. Whether you are concerned about flu symptoms or ear pain, this chart clearly shows you what next steps to take, from self care to seeing your local GP.
‘Choose Well' means that you get the best treatment - it also allows busy NHS services to help the people who need them most.
To find your local Age Cymru shop or office, visit our local page.
Stocks are limited so make sure you get one before they run out. Age Cymru is also running its Spread the Warmth campaign to prevent older people in Wales suffering needlessly this winter.