Temperatures across the UK are plummeting with people seeing numbers fall below zero. Because of this, the have urged people to to one thing to keep warm, as doing so can help prevent a number of health issues including a stroke and keep down.

In their warning, say that people should "avoid having bare feet" and to always wear something around the house whether it's socks, slippers or shoes. You don't just do this during the day though with them adding that you should wear socks to bed if cold.

They add that if your socks or your feet are wet, make sure you dry them as soon as possible and change into to a fresh, dry pair of socks. They further stress that when you're lying down or on the sofa, keep your feet elevated.

This is because if sat with your feet on the floor, you will likely have cold feet. The NHS medical centre explains that "hot air rises, so floor level is likely to be the coldest part of a room."

Opt for woolly socks, they say adding: "Wear woolly socks or socks containing an insulating material in the winter to keep your feet warm to help you stay well this winter and get the care you need. Winter comes with a higher risk of health issues, particularly for older people or those with long-term conditions and compromised immune systems. "

Yes. This is why it's crucial that you wrap up warm. The NHS adds that if you're cold, it increases the "risk of higher , heart attacks and strokes. The cold, damp can aggravate existing health problems, making you more vulnerable to respiratory winter illnesses."

In addition to this, the cold can increase the risk of hypothermia. If you think you or someone else is experiencing any of these symptoms, call 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.

For a stroke, think FAST:

• F – Is the face drooping on one side?
• A – Can the person raise both arms and keep them there?
• S – Is speech slurred?
• T – Time to call 999 if you spot any one of these signs.

Symptoms of hypothermia include:

• Shivering
• Pale, cold and dry skin – skin and lips may turn blue or grey, (on black or brown skin this may be easier to see on the palms of hands or the soles of the feet)
• Slurred speech
• Slow breathing
• Tiredness or confusion

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The NHS says that the temperature you need to heat your home to should be "steady and comfortable throughout the day in the rooms you use most, such as the living room and bedroom." This should be around 18C (64F) and if you are heating rooms you're not in and rarely go into, ensure you turn off the radiators in that room and close the doors as this will help on your energy bills.

If you have any of the following signs and symptoms, you need to call the GP, the NHS says.

Sore throat

• Your sore throat does not improve after a week
• You often get sore throats
• You’re worried about your sore throat
• You have a sore throat and a very high temperature, or you feel hot and shivery
• You have a weakened immune system e.g. because of diabetes or chemotherapy

Cough

• You’ve had a persistent cough for more than 3 weeks
• Your cough is very bad or quickly gets worse e.g. you have a hacking cough or cannot stop coughing
• You feel very unwell
• You have chest pain
• You’re losing weight for no reason
• The side of your neck feels swollen and painful (swollen glands)
• You find it hard to breathe
• You have a weakened immune system e.g. because of chemotherapy or diabetes

Cold

• Your symptoms do not improve after 3 weeks
• Your symptoms get suddenly worse
• Your temperature is very high or you feel hot and shivery
• Your’re feeling short of breath or develop chest pain
• You have a long-term medical condition e.g. diabetes, heart, lung or kidney condition
• You have a weakened immune system e.g. because you are having chemotherapy

If it's an emergency, call 999, they warn. In addition to this, the NHS says that getting your vaccines and boosters is key. Protect yourself and others by getting your and .

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Moving around and keeping yourself warm is key, but so is your diet, You want to ensure that you have a varied diet and if possible, one hot meal a day as well as hot drinks, the latter of which there is no limit to.

"Frozen and tinned vegetables can be just as good as fresh" the NHS warn, meaning you don't need to spend lots of money on fresh food. "It's also a good idea to keep your cupboards stocked with some basics just in case you can't get out to the shops – whether due to illness or bad weather", they add.