HEALTH chiefs have urged people in Worcestershire and Herefordshire to keep warm and well this winter.

As temperatures plummeted during the last week, the West Midlands was identified as one of the areas most at risk of experiencing freezing temperatures and dense fog.

The National Health Service has revealed the most common cause of death during a cold spell is a heart attack or stroke.

Cold weather also causes breathing problems through infection and because airways tighten up.

Dr Rashmi Shukla, regional director of public health, said: "A cold weather snap has health implications for us all, but particularly for vulnerable groups such as older people and those suffering from heart or chest problems.

"The cold kills thousands of people every year in the West Midlands, but many of these deaths can be prevented if older people, and those with heart and chest problems know how to protect themselves.

"Unfortunately, people in the UK don't respect the cold as they do in other countries and many people believe that a cold house is actually healthy. This is absolutely not the case and I would urge all people to keep warm, both indoors as well as out-doors, and at night as well as during the day."

At this time of year the NHS is over-stretched and attending accident and emergency departments with minor problems could prevent someone else with a more serious condition from getting immediate treatment.

Those with minor problems are urged to consider contacting a pharmacist, NHS Direct - 0845 4647 or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk - or a walk-in centre instead.

For more serious complaints, such as a head injury, broken bones or dislocation, severe chest pain or breathlessness, choking or difficulty in breathing, ingestion of toxic substances and severe bleeding, attend accident and emergency departments or dial 999 for an ambulance.

Simple steps to a healthier winter: l Keep warm at all times, even when the temperature appears to be mild outdoors.

l Keep your home warm. When indoors keep your living roopm at 21C (70F) and other rooms at 18C (64F) l Try to get warm before going out into the cold l Wear adequate clothing and keep moving, whether inside or outside. Several layers of thin clothes can be more effective than one thick one.

l Check on any elderly relatives or neighbours, especially if they live alone.

l Stock up on over-the-counter remedies such as headache tablets, indigestion and cold remedies and plasters.

l Try not to over-indulge in festive treats during the Christmas period and opt for healthier options.

l Hot drinks will keep you warm and give you energy.

l If you start to suffer with cold or flu-like symptoms, stay at home, keep warm and have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks.

l Remember, all general practitioner surgeries offer an emergency out-of-hours service.

l For up to date weather forecasts visit www.metoffice.gov.uk/index.html