If you feed during the day and need to be out and about, cold weather brings its own problems. Here are some things that help.
Your feeds
- Store feeds exactly as the label or your homecare company says. Do not let them freeze, and do not leave them in a cold car.
- Use an insulated bag to carry feeds when you are out.
- Do not use a feed that feels very cold. Let it come to room temperature in the way you have been taught. Never heat a TPN bag.
Your tube or line
- Keep any tubing that is outside your body under your layers, close to your body heat.
- Cover exposed tubing with a soft wrap or sleeve.
- Cold can make plastic stiff. Check tubing and connectors for cracks or leaks when you come in from the cold.
- If a tube seems blocked after being out in the cold, let it warm up slowly indoors before you flush it, and call your team if it will not clear.
You
- Dress in layers and keep a hat and gloves with you.
- Cold air can make you feel less thirsty. If you have fluid advice from your team, keep to it.
- Keep an emergency supply of feeds and equipment at home, in case bad weather delays deliveries.
- If you struggle to get out, ask a carer, friend or neighbour to check in on you, and contact your local council about help with heating in severe weather.
Remember: if your tube or line is damaged, or you feel unwell, contact your nutrition team or homecare company straight away.