Health
Do you need help to stay warm this winter?
Keep Warm Keep Well
If you are struggling to keep your home warm or are worried about a friend, neighbour or family member who is, please contact HertsHelp 
on tel. 0300 123 4044 (local rate) to find out what help might be available. Hertfordshire County Council, working with NHS Hertfordshire, the 10 district councils, including North Hertfordshire District Council, and voluntary organisations from across the county, has secured extra funding to help keep vulnerable people warm this winter. The extra money will be used to enhance current schemes like improving insulation in homes, providing emergency heaters and providing extra services for homeless people.
The government's advice on staying warm over the winter includes the following key tips:
- Keep your home warm. Your main living room should be between around 18-21C (64-70F) and the rest of the house at a minimum of 16C (61F). You can also use a hot-water bottle or electric blanket (but not both at the same time) to keep warm while you're in bed.
- Wrap up warm, inside and out. Several thin layers of clothes are better than one thick layer. Don't forget to wear hats, gloves and scarves. If possible, stay inside during a cold period if you have heart or respiratory problems.
- Keep active. Move around at least once an hour and don't sit down for long periods of time. Even light exercise will help keep you warm.
- Look out for elderly friends and neighbours. Check they're safe and well through the winter. Make sure they're warm enough, especially at night, and have stocks of food and medicines so they don't need to go out during very cold weather.
We work in partnership with NHS Hertfordshire and other partners to promote good health awareness and healthy lifestyles amongst the residents of North Hertfordshire.
A healthy lifestyle includes physical, mental and social activity. Having a healthy lifestyle will help to combat or even prevent illness. That is why we work to promote a healthy, balanced diet, enjoying regular exercise and taking a sensible approach to having fun.
Current projects
- Working in partnership with the Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living to reach people who would not normally consider alternative health therapies.
- Developing links with primary and secondary schools to encourage young people to be more aware of and pro-active about health issues.
- Developing projects to address health inequalities in North Herts.
- Producing a range of health information for general distribution to local residents.
