Beat the cold- #WarmChallenge

As you have probably felt, the weather is plummeting down to below freezing temperature this week. You will leave your house and as your fingers go numb and the moisture in your eyes freezes over, you will think of nothing else but getting back inside with the warmth of the heating to slowly melt your frozen toes back to normal. So, let us ask you this- Will you think about your elderly loved ones or neighbours? It is so important that you do.

Older people are more at risk because their bodies often struggle to adjust to the temperature change.

Cold weather also increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke as well as serious illnesses such as flu or pneumonia.

Why don’t you do the #WarmChallenge and check on them to make sure everything is ok?

Here is some advice on how to help:

• Go and check on older neighbours or relatives to make sure they are safe and warm, especially at night.
• Make sure they have enough food and supplies so they do not need to go out when the weather is really bad.
• Ensure they have enough prescription medicines.
• Encourage them to wear shoes with a good grip and a scarf around their mouth to reduce their risk of chest infections if they do have to go out.

We understand that it’s hard to be mindful of others when it is so cold but doing the #WarmChallenge could just be someone’s lifeline. We challenge you to not just do the Warm Challenge for someone you know, but to go out and knock on all the doors of all the elderly people on your street and just check on them and warm their hearts! Do you accept? #WarmChallengeAccepted