Marie Madden reports on a Health Services Executive West initiative that aims to prevent Galway's elderly from getting stuffed up this winter.

With winter in full swing, Galway's elderly are at risk of picking up one of the many colds and flus doing the rounds. The HSE has this week launched the latest part of their Keep Well This Winter information campaign ? Keep Warm, Keep Well.

As part of the campaign, a free information pack is available aimed particularly at older people, which includes a room temperature card and tips on keeping well this winter. The pack also includes information on the HSE-funded GP out-of-hours service, information on the Warmer Homes grant scheme, a card for listing important telephone numbers and an eight-page booklet giving information on and the symptoms of hypothermia.

The Keep Warm, Keep Well campaign highlights what we can do to protect our health this winter. Cold weather can be a problem for anyone but especially older people, people with a disability and those with a long-term illness.

However, according to the HSE, there are a number of things elderly people can do to keep healthy this winter, including eating well, availing of meals on wheels, keeping active, keeping the home warm, making sure to get a flu injection, taking advantage of free electricity, gas and fuel allowances and home safety and security.

According to Evelyn Fanning, Health Promotion Services at HSE West, high blood pressure and stroke can all be caused by the cold weather.

"The campaign is there to help people to help themselves. A few important steps can make a big difference between people staying well and becoming ill over the winter. We're trying to encourage people and families with elderly relatives to follow the advice and tips contained in the pack to stay warm and healthy," she said.