Raynaud's disease and how to stay warm on the cheap

Rising fuel prices are a concern for everyone, but for those people who rely on heat in their homes to stay healthy, such as sufferers of Raynauds disease, the prospect of a winter with sky high fuel bills is a daunting proposition.

Here at YouClaim, the personal injury specialists, we have put together a few handy hints on staying warm without turning up the central heating thermostat.

You've paid to heat it, so use it

• Leave bath water in until you've finished in the bathroom: you've paid to heat the water, now let the water heat the bathroom.
• After taking food out of the oven and switching it off, leave the oven door open to release heat into the kitchen.
• Put clothes, shoes and coats in the airing cupboard overnight: not only will it bring up your temperature as you put them on, but your hands will be warmer and it could make doing up zips and buttons a little less difficult.
• Keep doors closed, particularly if talking to someone on the doorstep: if necessary, invite the person in, but only if you know who they are, otherwise keep the door open only to a minimum and for the shortest time possible.
• If you happen to boil too much water for a hot drink, use what is left to make a hot water bottle. Also, a hot mug of tea of coffee acts as a great hand warmer for fingers affected by Raynauds disease.

Stop smoking

• It might feel like a cigarette is warming you up, but in fact it has been proved that smoking can reduce the body's temperature by one degree over a twenty minute period.
• And, if you stop smoking, you could afford to turn the heat up a wee bit.

Food tips

• To fend off the cold, your body needs plenty of energy to keep it going: have plenty of small meals or snacks and hot drinks.
• Start the day with a bowl of hot porridge or try your usual cereal with warm milk instead.
• Try to have a hot meal at midday and make sure you eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Bread, milk, meat, fish, eggs and beans or pulses are all good sources of protein and energy.
• A couple of small microwaved potatoes (more fuel efficient than the oven), removed and wrapped in foil, not only become handy pocket finger warmers, but also make a tasty snack when you get peckish.

Clothing tips

• In your own home wearing several baggy layers is always a great way to trap air and keep your precious body temperature up.
• However, if you're feeling a bit more fashion conscious and still need to conserve energy, following certain fashion trends can still keep you warm: Ankle boots keep you warmer than shoes, boots keep you warmer than ankle boots. (slippers for indoor use are always better than going barefoot or just wearing socks). Scarves and hats, can be fashionable as well as practical and it is not considered rude, in this day and age, to keep them on indoors.

Warm up your walls
Using the colour red is a great way of making yourself appear to feel warmer without turning the heat up. Red glow fires are more effective than white heaters, and even red cushions, carpets or walls can make a room feel much warmer than the temperature would suggest.

YouClaim and compensation claims for Raynauds disease
Here at YouClaim we consider ourselves to be the best for personal injury compensation claims involving work related diseases such as Raynauds. However, we are not health professionals and the above advice is merely hints and tips. We always advise that proper medical diagnosis and treatment be sought if you are concerned about your condition.

If you wish to pursue a claim for an industrial illness such as vibration white finger (VWF), or Raynauds disease, at YouClaim we make sure we find you the right people for your circumstances. Our UK no win, no fee solicitors could help you to get compensation.

All solicitors on the panel are experts in their fields and proudly governed by the standards laid down by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. We guarantee that you will not be charged for our services and that you will receive 100% of the compensation awarded to you. If your claim is unsuccessful you will not be charged.

If you would like to talk to one of our friendly helpline advisors, please call 0800 10 757 95. If you would like to choose a more suitable time, we can call you back later.

Alternatively, tell us about your Raynauds disease by filling out an online claim form and we will call you back when we have checked the details.