Versatility- Shawls are very versatile because they can be used as a cozy scarf. Simply double the shawl lengthwise and you have a double thickness scarf that will be amazingly warm and snuggly, particularly if it from an Alpaca shawl.
Warmth- A wrap offers maximum warmth because it is worn long enough to reach your knees at the front and back. When your lower back and thighs are warm, you have a cozy feeling of warmth through your whole body. An Alpaca wrap in fine knit will drape beautifully across the shoulder and because it clings to itself, it won't slip.
Elegance- Shawls and wraps offer warmth without sacrificing elegance. If you select Alpaca shawls wrap in a fine fabric, you can wear these accessories over any elegant outfit without taking away from your look. If your accessories are made of Alpaca, you can be sure you will be cozy and warm while still looking your elegant best.
As the weather cools down, you are never sure just what the weather is going to do. Have a lightweight shawl with you in the back of your car or in your bag and you will be able to throw it over whatever you have worn if the weather turns chilly. Of course, Alpaca shawls wraps will be lighter than wool and will fit more easily into your bag.
Connie Francis Warm This Winter
New Age Concern research shows thatas a result of recent energy price hikes almost two-thirds of elderly people are more worried abouttheir ability to stay warm and well this winter than last year. This researchcoincides with the Office for National Statistics announcement today that therewere 22?400 excess winter deaths of older people last year.
The UK has the highest number ofexcess winter deaths in Europe - higher than countries with more severe winterssuch as Finland? Denmark and Austria. As this winter is predicted to be colderthan last year? it is very likely that there will be an increase in the numberof excess winter deaths in the UK.
With more than half of pensionerscutting back on food and heating because of the increased cost of living? Age Concern is warning that this couldbe putting the health of thousands of older people at risk. If older people cutback on their heating during a colder winter this could lead to a rise in thenumbers affected by cold-related illnesses? which contribute to thousands ofthe excess winter deaths of older people each year.
The charity is urging the Governmentto take action to help the poorest pensioners who are struggling to afford toheat their homes by addressing unfair energy pricing. This is backed by thecharity's new research? which shows that almost eight out of 10 people thinkthe Government should intervene in the energy market to ensure the poorestcustomers do not pay more for their energy.
Gordon Lishman? Director General ofAge Concern? said:
?It is a national scandal that wehave a higher number of excess winter deaths than every other country inEurope. With this winter set to be colder than last? the numbers are likely torise. Pensioners are clearly more worried about staying warm and well thisyear. Yet? the impact of increased energy bills is causing thousands to risktheir health by cutting back on heating.
?We would urge any older person whois struggling to make ends meet to find out if they are entitled to benefits?which could help to make paying their bills easier? and to take extraprecautions to stay warm during the colder weather. The extra help forpensioners in this week's Pre-Budget Report is welcome but the Government mustdo much more to address unfair energy pricing which is penalising the poorest pensionersand families.?
Age Concern has welcomed theincreased funding for the Warm Front scheme announced in the Pre-Budget Reportbut is calling on the Government to go much further in helping the one in threepensioner households who will be living in fuel poverty this winter. Reforms tosocial tariffs and an end to the over-charging of pre-payment meter? cash andcheque customers are urgently needed to ensure the poorest customers don't paymore for their energy. The charity is also calling for a radical new fuelpoverty strategy? supported by a fair funding formula that recognises thewindfall gains to the energy industry from the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.
Age Concern's top tips to stay warmand well this winter
Claim your benefits - Millions of pensioners are missing out on their share of up to ?5 billion in unclaimed benefits. If you are eligible this could make a huge difference to your weekly income and go some way towards meeting increased energy bills.
Eat well and keep warm - Hot meals and drinks provide warmth and energy. Try to eat one nutritious hot meal every day and have a hot drink before bedtime. Wear several layers of clothes to keep warm and wrap up well when you go outside.
Stay active - Regular exercise generates heat and helps you to keep warm. It can be as simple as doing household chores or a stroll to the local shops.
Get a flu jab - If you're over 65 or have a long-term health condition? you're more vulnerable to the effects of ?flu. There are different strains of the virus each winter - make sure you are protected by getting a free flu jab from your GP every year.
Shop around - Shopping around for the best energy rate could make you a considerable saving. If you are on a low income you may also be eligible for a discounted social tariff.
Get energy efficient - Improving your insulation? central heating? double glazing or draught-proofing could help keep your house warm and cut your bills. If you receive benefits you may be able to get a Warm Front grant to help pay for heating improvements? and your energy supplier may offer energy efficiency products like insulation free of charge.
Both Martin & Simon are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Simon has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Improvement, Insurance and Adventure Travel. Age Concern is the largest charity in the UK working for older people. Every day we are in touch with thousands of elderly people, enabling them to make more of life. We provide a wide range of information on issues such as benefits, care services for the. Simon's top article generates over 165000 views. Bookmark Simon to your Favourites.
Benefits Of Rose Hips As cold season approaches, its a good idea to have some high quality vitamin c on hand. And with all the added benefits of rose hips, its suggested you pick up a Rose Hip Vitamin C Supplement