It's that time of year again. summer's coming to a close, autumn's around the corner. The colder weather is on its way

There is a direct link between cold weather and a rise in the mortality rate. As the weather gets cooler, so do we.

During winter, we are all more likely to catch colds or flu; and if your body temperature drops, the blood thickens, restricting circulation and increasing the risks of a heart attack, stroke or respiratory difficulties.

There is an increased risk of injury from falls and people are more prone to seasonal illnesses like flu. This is especially true for older people and those with long-term conditions such as heart, lung or kidney disease, or a physical disability.

The best way to combat the winter is to keep warm and follow as healthy a lifestyle as possible.

Some of the top tips for keeping warm this winter are as follows.

l Have a flu jab

For most people, flu is an unpleasant experience, but for those 65 or over, or in 'at risk' groups, flu can cause serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, often leading to hospitalisation and even death. In fact, between 3,000 and 4,000 deaths each year are attributable to the complications of flu.

If you have a respiratory condition such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, lowered immunity or any other serious medical condition, or if you are 65 or over, you are at risk of flu. The good news is that, if you are at risk, you are entitled to a free flu jab.

The flu vaccination is the only effective protection against flu and can help you stay active and well through the winter. The best time to get vaccinated is between October and November each year, So, if you think you might be at risk of flu, contact your local GP surgery to find out about vaccinations in your area, ring NHS Direct on 0845 46 47, or go to www.immunisation.nhs.uk.

l Keep warm, eat well

Food is fuel, and so it will help to keep you warm. Eat well this winter by observing a balanced diet. Aim to have at least one hot meal a day and hot drinks regularly through the day. Also try and have a hot drink before bedtime and, if you feel very cold at night, why not prepare a thermos flask of a hot drink to have by your bed in case you wake up in the night feeling cold.

l Stop smoking

If you are a smoker, try to stop now the sooner the better! The evidence shows that giving up smoking can improve your health, no matter how old you are.

l Keep warm, dress well

There's increased risk of becoming ill if you get cold. Wear several thin layers of clothes rather than one thick layer - the warmth from your body will get trapped between the layers. Your clothing should be made from wool, cotton or fleecy synthetic fibres.

Outdoors, there are a few basic rules. Always wear something on your head and wrap up warmly, wearing several layers. On your feet you should wear warm, dry, flat, non-slip shoes or boots.

l Keep warm, keep moving

Stay as active as you can during winter, as well as during the rest of the year. Moving around generates extra body heat, so any kind of activity will help keep you warm.

Even moderate exercise, such as walking, has real health benefits if you do it regularly all year round. But, do be careful not to take risks in wet or icy weather.

l To make your home ready for winter, first check that your heating system is working properly and that you know how to set the controls. Ensure your hot water cylinder and pipes are lagged. You might consider fitting draft proofing to help seal gaps around windows and doors and laying down insulation in the loft.

Some financial assistance is available to help pay for such work, this includes the Warm Front Scheme (WFS) and local council support. To find out more about the financial support schemes, call the Winter Warmth Advice Line on (0800 085 7000).

l If you can, try to retain a temperature of 21C (70F) in all the rooms you use during the day, ensuring that your living room is warm when you are up and about, and that your bedroom and bed are heated before you go to sleep.

In bed, use an electric blanket or a hot water bottle, but never both together. Many electric blankets are designed only to warm the bed before you get in; if yours is like that, remember to turn it off before you get into bed.

In very cold weather, set the heating to come on earlier, instead of turning the thermostat up higher, and keep your bedroom window closed at night.

If you have any queries about keeping warm this winter call the freephone Winter Warmth Advice Line on 0800 085 7000, textphone 0800 085 7857 or visit www.dh.gov.uk/socialcare