THE SUN
MOST of us have shivered our way through freezing temperatures this week as winter returned with a bang.
The icy cold snap prompted health chiefs to issue a level 3 cold weather alert, which is in place until Monday.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) urged Brits to try and ensure their homes were heated to at least 18C, to reduce their risk of potentially life-threatening conditions.
And charities warned of the potential impact of the cold on people with conditions such as diabetes and asthma.
Now, one doctor has warned that Brits living in cold houses could also be at risk of strokes, heart attacks and infections.
While advice is in place urging people to heat their homes, many cannot afford to due to the cost of living crisis.
Dr Quinton Fivelman PhD, chief scientific officer at London Medical Laboratory, said: “Soaring energy bills have left many of us struggling to find the money to heat our homes this winter.
“However, it’s vital that we keep them warmed to around 18C (degrees centigrade), if possible.
“If our homes drop to 16C or lower we are putting ourselves at risk of major health problems, particularly for those people with pre-existing health conditions or over the age of 65.”
He cited a study, published by experts at Oxford University’s Environmental Change Institute, which found that 18-21C is the ideal temperature for a living room and, when temperatures start to vary from this level, health risks begin to increase.
