Need advice for winter illnesses such as coughs or colds? Get the advice you need quickly and easily with NHS 24’s digital services.
From symptom checkers to pharmacy finders, you’ll get all the right answers from the experts at NHS 24.
Find out more: nhsinform.scot/winter
A leading insurance comparison firm is revealing the top winter driving hacks that could help motorists avoid higher premiums and retain those all-important No Claims Bonuses.
Quotezone.co.uk says many motorists overlook the winter conditions and can make unnecessary mistakes that will hit them hard in the pocket.
The firm, which runs one of the UK’s leading car insurance comparison services, says even minor adjustments in behaviour could save hundreds of pounds. Here they lay out some of the pitfalls motorists can find themselves in this winter:
Defrosting – It is tempting to leave the engine running while the windscreen unfreezes, and the car warms up. However, if an opportunistic thief takes the vehicle, many insurance companies will not cover the loss.
Leaving engines running is also an offence under section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Doing this is known as ‘idling’, and is bad for the environment as it increases the amount of dangerous gases emitted into the air from the car’s exhaust.
Don’t use boiling water on windscreens – Glass can crack when it experiences a sudden change in temperature, and windscreen damage isn’t always covered by a standard car insurance policy.
Simply using a frost guard, a defogger or even homemade de-icer – lukewarm water mixed with rubbing alcohol.
Clear your windscreen before you set-off – Windscreens with inhibited views can land owners with a £1,000 fine and three points on a driving licence. So any leaves, snow, ice, mud or even condensation, needs to be fully cleared before setting out.
Check tyres – Motorists can be fined an eye-watering £2,500 for each faulty tyre and receive three points on their driving licence. If the police see another tyre falling short, it doubles to £5,000 and six points. Four faulty tyres could even see the maximum 12 points – resulting in the loss of a driving licence.
Commercial vehicle drivers, where the car or van is owned by their employer – could land firms with penalties of up to £20,000.
Numberplate – excess mud and grit on the roads this time of year can make your car dirty very quickly, and if the numberplate isn’t clearly visible, drivers could face a fine of £1,000.
Floods – Some car insurance policies include clauses advising policyholders not to drive through flooded roads, and may specifically exclude cover for any water damage to the car if the motorist goes against this advice.
Avoid puddles – Soaking pedestrians by deliberately driving through large puddles can results in a £100 fine and three penalty points.
Car insurance comparison site Quotezone.co.uk founder Greg Wilson said: “As winter approaches, it’s not just the fines that motorists should worry about, points on a driving licence are noted by insurers as a sign of how safe a driver is and what the risk of a claim might be when calculating premiums.
“Three points on a licence can add 5% to premiums every year until the points are spent after four years. Six points pushes premiums up by as much as 25%, and let’s not forget No Claims Bonuses and what they might be worth if they’ve been built up over time and now have to be accrued again from scratch.
“Careful, considerate and patient drivers who plan for the winter weather and adjust their behaviour to meet the conditions give themselves the best chance of avoiding points and keeping their premiums low.”
Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year, save on all sorts of motoring products such as van insurance, convicted drivers insurance and breakdown cover.
With colder temperatures seemingly here to stay, many of us are thinking about our boilers more. Checking your boiler and central heating system are functioning properly and efficiently is crucial, as we rely on them to keep us warm over the winter.
But how confident and comfortable are you checking the health of your boiler and central heating system? This was just one of the questions British Gas asked 1,000 boiler owners across Britain to discover the nation’s levels of knowledge, confidence and understanding of boiler-related issues. Of those surveyed, more than half of Scots (51.9%) don’t know how to check the health of their boiler.
The full survey explored everything from how many cold showers people would endure before calling a gas engineer for help to how confident they would be bleeding their radiators.
British Gas also offers expert advice on how to check your boiler’s health, as well as how to maintain a healthy boiler throughout the year, which you can find below.
Key Findings:
You can see the full results of the survey here:
https://www.britishgas.co.uk/heating/boiler-repair/feeling-the-cold.html
More than half of Scots unsure how to check the health of their boiler
It is obvious from the survey that there are some confidence and knowledge gaps across the country when it comes to boilers. More than half (52%) of survey respondents admitted they don’t know how to check the health of their boiler.
| Do you know how to check the health of your boiler? | Percentage of responses (Scotland) |
| No, I do not know how to check | 51.9% |
| Yes, I check once per year | 18.5% |
| Yes, I check it once per month | 22.2% |
| Yes, but I never check it | 7.4% |
On top of this, more than two in five (42%) find boiler issues ‘stressful’ or ‘intimidating’, while over 28% of the Scottish public answered that they never think about boiler issues. That’s in comparison to only 30% that feel confident solving problems.
| How do you feel about solving boiler-related issues | Percentage of responses (Scotland) |
| I find it stressful and intimidating | 42.0% |
| I never think about it | 28.4% |
| I feel confident | 29.6% |
How many cold showers would you endure before seeking emergency repair works?
To find out how long people are willing to ignore their malfunctioning boiler before calling for help, British Gas asked how many cold showers they would endure before seeking repair works.
Although the majority of Scots would not stand the thought of a single cold shower before picking up the phone to an engineer, there were some staggering findings to the contrary. 46% would endure at least one icy shower, with 1.2% answering they wouldn’t mind 10 or more before calling out for repairs.
| How many cold showers would you endure before seeking emergency repair works? | Percentage of responses (Scotland) |
| Wouldn’t endure a single cold shower | 54.3% |
| Would endure one or more cold showers | 45.6% |
| Would endure two or more cold showers | 14.7% |
| Would endure three or more cold showers. | 6.1% |
| Would endure ten or more cold showers | 1.2% |
Expert commentary on boiler health from Joanna Flowers, a service and repair engineer at British Gas:
How can I check the health of my boiler?
With over 50% of people not understanding how to check their boiler’s health, it can feel puzzling sometimes. If you’re one of those people who aren’t too sure, you can do simple things like turning the heating on and checking radiators to ensure the system is working properly – especially if it hasn’t been turned on recently.
Bleeding your radiators is another simple task you could carry out to ensure your home heating system is functioning as it should. If your radiators are cold at the top and hot at the bottom, this could be something to try. To do this, turn off your heating, let your radiators go cold and then bleed them with a bleed key and cloth.
Remember that if your boiler does stop working, you can book a one-off emergency repair with British Gas before 11 am and they’ll be there the same day*
*Based on 2024 performance data, 80% of customers contacting by 11am received the same day service.
How often should I check my boiler?
While you don’t have to be an expert to check if your boiler’s working properly, there are lots of simple things you can do. Turn the heating on and feel the radiators to make sure the system is working properly – especially if it hasn’t been used in a while.
And when it comes to servicing, once a year is the right amount. We recommend that your boiler is serviced once a year, but if you want a more in-depth assessment by a professional who will make sure it’s all in working order, book a boiler service when you need it.
Whether you choose to do this in the summer, winter or at any time of year, annual servicing can prevent any unwanted breakages or faults before they happen.
What should I do if my boiler is making noise?
With over 12,000 searches a month across the UK for queries relating to boiler sounds, this is certainly something people worry about. While it can be a little concerning, don’t panic. Boilers make sounds, even when they’re switched on and being used. If you’re hearing a specific sound – banging, vibrating, whistling or any other noise – this may be a clue to what is going on inside your boiler.
Vibrating sounds coming from your boiler? With over 2,740 searches a month, steady and continuous noises can be common and may indicate loose brackets that need tightening or trapped air. If uncertain where it’s coming from, get an engineer to scan the source and diagnose any faults.
Mechanical sounds like banging, knocking and clunking are also a common concern, with over 2,200 searches a month. This can signal a faulty part inside a boiler or even a problem with the heat exchanger. It’s best to address these issues promptly so that you can put your mind to rest.
Since your boiler pumps a lot of water through the pipes in your house, hearing water and liquid sounds coming from the unit can be normal.
If you’re hearing something out of the blue or extremely loud, then it may be time to double-check that everything’s working okay. It’s important to remember that boilers will have automatic switches and safety mechanisms that turn the boiler off before it is dangerous. If this happens, get in a professional engineer to safely get your boiler working again.
Always book a gas safe engineer if you are not sure what’s wrong.
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Alcohol can often be at the forefront of the festive season. This time of year, is for gathering and celebrating with your loved ones, which can often mean consuming too much alcohol.
Over 60% of drinkers in the UK over-indulge during the festive period, consuming more alcohol than usual and having their first drink at an earlier time of day. Alcohol consumption can have a negative effect on the heart and a few drinks can cause you to sleep poorly and be tired the next day, making you reach for unhealthy foods for a quick energy fix.
In this week’s healthy tip, we share some ideas for how you can reduce your alcohol consumption this festive season and enter the new year feeling full of energy.
Alcohol-free drinks
With so many alcohol-free alternatives of your favourite big-name brands now available, why not use Christmas as a time to try them out?
You may need to try a few to find one that you like, but often they taste very similar to their alcoholic counterpart. Even if you don’t quit drinking entirely, you can reduce the amount of alcohol you consume by alternating your regular drink with an alcohol-free version.
Mocktails
Mocktails or cocktails without alcohol are a great way to enjoy a tasty drink this festive season. Bars and restaurants often have a wide range of mocktails for you to choose from, and they’re usually cheaper too.
Be mindful when choosing your drink of how much sugar is in it, try to avoid those containing sugar syrups and fruit juices. Instead, opt for ones containing ingredients like mint, lime juice and soda water. A fancy glass makes all the difference, so why not buy some decorative cocktail vessels, and make some indulgent mocktails at home.
Enjoy alcohol in moderation
To look after our heart, we don’t have to stop drinking completely. The key is to enjoy alcohol in moderation and adopt other healthy lifestyle habits alongside this.
The NHS recommends drinking no more than 12 units of alcohol per week, spread across three or more days which is the equivalent to six medium (175ml) glasses of wine or six pints of 4% beer.
By not exceeding these recommendations, you may feel more able to be physically active and cook healthier meals.
With Monday 6th January expected to be one of the busiest days for breakdowns for the whole of 2025, the RAC is warning drivers to make sure they don’t kick off the year with an unexpected flat battery.
The first working day after the holidays is often a ‘non-start’ for thousands of commuters as cars are left idle throughout the Christmas period. Since New Year’s Eve falls on a Tuesday this year, the RAC expects most drivers to extend their Christmas breaks until Monday 6th January, meaning there could be a much longer period where cars are left unused.
Households with more than one vehicle are at greater risk as many people will only use one car over the festive period, meaning the battery of the other car is more likely to go flat.
Battery issues are the number-one reason for RAC patrol call-outs all year round, but breakdowns increase during the winter months when cooler temperatures put a greater strain on batteries due to the increased use of the heater, lights and heated screens and seats.
The RAC is advising all households, and especially those with a second car, to make sure vehicles are used between Christmas and New Year to keep their batteries topped up, especially if they intend to commute on Monday 6th.
Even drivers of electric cars need to do the same, as in most cases these vehicles still depend on a 12-volt battery to start – and it’s this battery that can go flat.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “The first working day after Christmas is typically the busiest of the year for our patrols attending drivers suffering the ‘flat battery blues’.
“The first day back at work after the Christmas the break is often bad enough, but it can be thoroughly depressing if nothing happens when you go to start the ignition. Cars left unused over the holidays, such as second vehicles left parked up, are often a breakdown statistic waiting to happen.
“Luckily, a flat battery is easily avoidable if drivers take their cars for a good run during their Christmas breaks. Electric vehicles are just as vulnerable as combustion engines because they also rely on 12-volt batteries, so it’s important to drive them occasionally and keep them charged above 20% in winter conditions.
“Colder weather slows down the chemical reaction in vehicle batteries, plus they have to work harder in the winter months due to greater use of the heater, lights, heated screens and seats as well as windscreen wipers. The starter motor also has to work harder to turn over the engine in the cold, so if your car is particularly slow to start then the battery could be about to fail.
“Drivers in any doubt about the health of their battery – especially those that are older and weaker – can book a diagnostic test on their doorstep. Rather than trying to find a garage that is open during the holiday period, drivers can book an RAC Mobile Mechanic to test their battery at home or work, and even install a new one in the worst-case scenario.”
The RAC’s Mobile Mechanics have shared their top tips to steer clear of the flat battery blues:
Winter can be a challenging time for houseplants. The colder temperatures, reduced daylight, and dry indoor air can all take a toll on their health. However, with a few simple tips, you can keep your houseplants thriving throughout the winter months.
Gardening and plants expert Fiona Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk explains why winter is so harsh on houseplants and provides some tips on how to keep your houseplants alive during this challenging time.
Understanding Winter’s Impact on Houseplants
As the days grow shorter, the amount of natural light available to your houseplants decreases. This can lead to slower growth, weaker stems, and pale, leggy foliage.
Central heating systems can significantly reduce the humidity levels in your home. Dry air can cause your plants to lose moisture through their leaves, leading to brown tips, wilting, and a decline in overall health.
Draughts from windows, doors, and heating vents can expose your plants to sudden temperature changes. These fluctuations can stress your plants, making them more susceptible to diseases and pests.
Tips for Keeping Your Houseplants Healthy in Winter
There are several things that you can do to ensure that your houseplants remain healthy and thriving during the winter months.
Below is a list of steps that you should take to keep your houseplants in top shape during this time of the year …
Adjust Your Watering Routine
First of all, your houseplant growth will slow down during winter. At this time, the plants will require less water. Overwatering can result in root rot. This is a fatal condition for many houseplants.
Before watering, insert your finger into the soil to check its moisture level. You should only water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Cold water can shock the roots of your plants. Instead, use lukewarm water to maintain optimal soil temperature.
Provide Adequate Light
It’s important to ensure that your plants get enough light at this time of the year. Position your plants near South-facing windows to maximise exposure to natural light.
If the natural light in your home is insufficient, consider using artificial grow lights to supplement the light your plants receive. Look for full-spectrum grow lights that mimic natural sunlight.
Be sure to rotate your plants regularly to ensure even growth and prevent them from leaning towards the light source.
Maintain Optimal Humidity
Humidity is important to ensure good health for many houseplants. Consider using a spray bottle to mist your plants with lukewarm water, especially those with delicate foliage. This helps to increase humidity levels around the plants.
Grouping plants together can create a microclimate with increased humidity. The plants release moisture into the air, which helps to maintain a humid environment.
A humidifier is also an effective way to increase the humidity levels in your home. Consider using a cool mist humidifier to avoid scalding your plants.
Monitor for Pests and Diseases
It’s important to monitor your plants to ensure they are surviving the winter months well. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests and diseases. If you do notice any infestations, make sure to isolate the infected plant to prevent the spread of pests or diseases to other plants.
Consider using a natural pesticide or insecticidal soap to treat infestations. Avoid using harsh chemical pesticides that can harm your plants and the environment.
Protect Your Plants from Draughts
Draughts can be harmful to plants, so it’s important to keep your houseplants away from them. Move your plants away from draughty areas, such as near windows, doors, or heating vents. Draughts can cause sudden temperature fluctuations, which can stress your plants.
Consider grouping your plants together to create a warmer microclimate. This can help protect them from cold draughts and temperate fluctuations.
Final Thoughts
Winter doesn’t have to be a death sentence for your houseplants. With a little bit of understanding of how the season affects them and some proactive care, you can help your leafy companions thrive even in the colder months. Remember, the key lies in mimicking their natural environment as much as possible.
By adjusting your watering routine, providing adequate light, maintaining optimal humidity, and protecting them from draughts, you can ensure your plants stay vibrant and healthy all winter long. So ditch the brown leaves and drooping stems and enjoy the company of your flourishing greenery throughout the entire year!
FIONA JENKINS
Fiona Jenkins is a UK-based landscaper with over twenty-five years of experience in the industry. As a gardening expert for MyJobQuote, one of the UK’s top trades-matching sites, Fiona offers her expert advice to MyJobQuote’s tradespeople and homeowners and has also been featured as a gardening expert for a range of reputable publications.
Having the flu can leave you feeling awful, but there are steps you can take to speed up your recovery:
Do:
Rest and get plenty of sleep
Keep warm
Drink lots of water to stay hydrated
Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce your temperature and ease aches and pains
Stay off work or school until you’re feeling better
Don’t:
Take paracetamol alongside flu remedies that also contain paracetamol
You can check your symptoms and decide what to do next by visiting
Road accidents see a spike in the run-up to Christmas, and while this can be due to increased traffic volume, driver fatigue also has a big part to play as it’s estimated that 10 to 20% of crashes happen because of tired driving.
Christmas is a busy time and the stress from frequent holiday gatherings, Christmas shopping and planning can cause a lot of people to feel exhausted and sleep deprived.
It’s important for drivers to make sure they’re well rested before getting behind the wheel, as they’re twice as likely to crash if they’ve had five to six hours of sleep compared to the recommended eight hours.
Drivers are also told to plan regular rest breaks for longer journeys, taking a break for at least 15 minutes every two hours.
Tired drivers are most likely to crash on monotonous roads such as motorways because of the lack of driver stimulation, potentially leading to microsleeping behind the wheel.
Microsleeping happens when tired drivers nod off for up to 30 seconds and data has revealed one in three Brits have experienced it.
Eating can also exacerbate fatigue and drowsiness, so it’s best to let the food settle for a few hours after eating a big Christmas meal at a holiday gathering.
Cat Wiltshire from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk said: “While fatigued driving is a danger throughout the whole year, the risks are further increased during the Christmas season, as many people struggle with festive burnout.
“Many of us feel exhausted in the run-up to Christmas as it’s a high-intensity period filled with office parties, holiday gatherings, endless Christmas shopping trips and lots of travelling to ensure you’re spending time with all your loved ones.
“The roads are a lot busier around the holiday season which already increases the risk of collisions, and adding fatigue to the mix makes the situation far more dangerous.
“Before driving home for Christmas, it’s crucial to ensure you get enough sleep the night before, especially if you’re planning to head out early to avoid traffic.
“Even going to bed an hour or two earlier before a long car journey can make a big difference, as those getting five to six hours of sleep are twice as likely to crash compared to seven to eight hours.
“Taking regular breaks is also important, especially if you’re driving for more than two hours. Even if your journey is shorter, make sure to look out for signs of fatigue such as excessive yawning and heavy eyelids.”
Everyone is familiar with the old saying ‘there’s no use crying over spilled milk’, but it’s spilled gravy that might be doing the damage this Christmas – and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is asking the public to take extra care when they’re serving up the Turkey this December 25th.
Burns from hot gravy are among reasons why people self-present at Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments on Christmas Day. Other common minor conditions include cuts from parents using box cutters and craft knives to open presents, falls from ladders following decorations being hung or presents decanted from lofts, and acid reflux or constipation.
Debbie McCoach, Interim Lead Nurse at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Accident and Emergency Department, said: “Christmas Day at home is mostly full of buzz, excitement – and let’s be honest – chaos.
“In times of hectic family life, rational thinking can go out of the window and accidents can very quickly and easily happen. We’re asking everyone to have a lot of fun but approach things with caution, particularly when it comes to the kitchen.”
Upset tummies and respiratory issues from seasonal illnesses are also big with self-presenters at A&E, which are minor illnesses that should be treated elsewhere.
Dr Claire Harrow, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Deputy Medical Director for Acute Services said: “We’re also asking people to be aware when and when not to attend the Accident and Emergency department.
“A&E is for urgent injuries and life-threatening care. Otherwise, on Christmas Day, people should be calling NHS24 on 111 if they have a minor injury or minor illness. In doing so, they’ll be provided advice and will be given an appointment if required, virtually or in-person.
“After all, no one wants to be sitting in a waiting room on Christmas Day!”
There are instances where A&E will be essential and, when it comes to safety, paediatricians are asking parents and carers to be extra vigilant of their child at home to avoid hospital this Christmas.
Staff at the Royal Hospital for Children A&E have highlighted the anticipated big hitters when it comes to objects causing serious injuries this Christmas, along with some advice on how to avoid them.
Dr Joanne Stirling, Consultant in Paediatric Emergency Medicine at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow said: “Bikes and scooters are always big on Christmas lists and we’re pleading with parents to remember that if Santa is bringing anything with wheels, especially if it is motorised, then a helmet is also included. We’ve had a few incidents with eScooters this year and the injuries have been very serious.
“This request extends to the “big kids” of the family too. i.e. mum and dad who may be eager for a “wee shot”– trust us, if you’re unprotected, the injury won’t be worth it.”
Dr Stirling highlighted others for parents to watch out for and if an injury does occur, should be brought straight to A&E:
Festive workers, including those on short-term contracts, are being urged to check their pay to make sure they aren’t missing out on the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage.
Seasonal staff and students employed over the Christmas period are legally entitled to receive at least the same minimum rates as other workers.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding all workers to check their hourly rate of pay, and to look out for unpaid working time – such as time spent cleaning and closing premises, training, or picking up extra hours.
Deductions, for things like uniforms or tools, can also reduce pay rates.
HMRC’s festive video issues a clear reminder:
“Have you started a Christmas job?
“No matter how long you’ve been employed for, you are legally entitled to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage. This includes temporary seasonal staff working in shops, hotels, garden centres, Christmas markets, restaurants and warehouses.
“Always make sure that you check your pay and look out for any deductions, or unpaid working time that could take you below the minimum wage.
“If you think you’ve been short changed, even if you no longer work for that employer, we’re here to help. Visit GOV.UK and search ‘check your pay’ to find all the information you need about wage rates, and how to report your employer if they’re not paying you correctly.”
The National Minimum Wage hourly rates are currently:
Anyone not being paid what they are entitled to, or people concerned that someone they know may not be getting paid correctly, can report it online at https://www.gov.uk/minimum-wage-complaint. It takes around 10 minutes and reports can be made after the employment has ended.
To speak with someone, raise a concern or get further information, phone the Acas Pay and Work Rights helpline on 0300 123 1100 for confidential, free advice (Monday to Friday*, 8am to 6pm).– *Except Bank Holidays.
Employers can also access support at any time to ensure they are paying their workers correctly:
They can also contact Acas for advice.
