Britons are advised to avoid staying sedentary for extended periods as temperatures decrease nationwide. The caution comes amidst severe weather alerts affecting various regions of the UK.
The Met Office predicts that England and Wales could see up to 5cm of snow, while Scotland may face snowfall of up to 40cm. Yellow warnings for snow and ice are in place for parts of England and Wales, with Scotland under Amber warnings for snow and Yellow warnings for snow and ice.
Additionally, colder spells are expected along the east coast of England, with snowy conditions anticipated on Saturday and Monday. While the wintry conditions have led to disruptions in public services and transportation, they also pose health risks.
The UK Health Security Agency highlights that certain individuals are more vulnerable to cold-related illnesses, including the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those with weakened immune systems.
Maintaining a minimum indoor temperature of 18C is recommended to prevent health issues, along with avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity. Staying active helps raise body temperature, with suggestions to stretch limbs regularly for warmth. The Met Office emphasizes the importance of staying active both indoors and outdoors to stay warm.
The guidance further stresses the significance of staying warm during winter to prevent illnesses. It advises breaking up inactive periods by moving around indoors and layering clothing when venturing outside for added warmth.
For more tips on staying healthy in cold weather, additional advice from the UK Health Security Agency can be accessed here.