Though winter doesn't officially begin until Saturday the 21st of December (at 9:19 AM if you want to be precise about it!), you could well be forgiven for thinking that it has arrived early. Staying warm is essential for everyone but especially so for those in vulnerable groups such as the elderly and young children. 

Jobskin® Premium & Jobskin® Classic pressure therapy garments

Heating a home can be expensive, especially with energy bills rising so quickly. The increased usage of radiators, log burners and open fires also results in a dramatic increase in the number of people sustaining burn injuries. With that in mind, we've put together a list of tips to help you stay warm, cosy and above all safe throughout the winter. 

• Keep a close eye on the weather forecast so that you'll be aware of upcoming cold snaps.
• The ideal temperature for a room is between 18ºC and 21ºC. Though it can be tempting to go over this temperature, it should never be above 24ºC, especially when there are elderly people present in the room.
• It's a great idea to wear extra clothing when in the house. Wear several layers instead of one single thick layer so that heat is better trapped next to the skin. Invest in a good pair of slippers, preferably with a fleece lining. Snuggle up on the sofa under a warm blanket.
• Hot water bottles are a great source of heat but it's crucial to use them safely. In 2022 and 2023, burns services in the UK reported that burn injuries from the improper use of hot water bottles had increased by 40%. Choose a high-quality bottle with the CE Mark and/or the British Kite Mark. Hot water bottles should be replaced every two years; the bottle will carry a flower symbol that shows in which year it was made. Allow boiled water to cool slightly before filling the bottle to two-thirds of its capacity, gently expelling excess air and screwing on the stopper tightly. Put the bottle into a fabric cover or wrap in a sheet or towel before using.
• Treat yourself to lots of hot drinks. If you have a flask, fill it at the same time that you're making a cuppa as this helps save energy and also prevents you from having to get up so often. 
• Make sure you have at least one hot meal a day, even if its just a bowl of tinned soup. It's even better to make your own and it's easy to do; there are thousands of recipes online to choose from. If you make a large pan of soup, it can be reheated so that it lasts longer and is more economical.
• If your radiators are situated under a window, precious heat is being wasted so close the curtains and tuck them behind the radiator. You should also consider purchasing a radiator reflector; these are sheets of foil that are placed behind the radiator to reflect heat into the room, stopping it from being uselessly absorbed by the walls.  

ScarSil® Silicone Scar Gel

Silicone scar treatments by Medigarments Ltd

Burn injuries, so much more common during the colder months, can have lasting physical and mental effects. Medigarments Ltd supplies an extensive range of scar management products, including pressure therapy garments along with an effective selection of silicone gel solutions. 

Our Jobskin® Premium and Jobskin® Classic garment ranges comprise several made-to-measure compression garments. Each garment is made from open-weave Lycra^® material, designed to deliver constant, calculated pressure while allowing the skin to breathe and stay at a cool, comfortable temperature. The garments combine excellent finishing with unmatched cost-effectiveness. Our pressure therapy garments are designed to deliver optimum results in terms of both aesthetic and functional patient outcomes. Jobskin^® Premium & Jobskin^® Classic pressure therapy garments can be personalised from a wide selection of options to improve patient comfort and compliance. 

Please browse our website to discover the complete collection. Have a merry (and safe) Christmas! For more articles like this one, please subscribe to our free monthly newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram. If you need any further advice or information, please get in touch with a member of our experienced team who will be more than happy to provide assistance.

Jobskin^® Premium & Jobskin^® Classic pressure garments by Medigarments Ltd. Jobskin^® and ScarSil^® are the registered trademarks of Medigarments Ltd.