Be prepared and wrap up well

Tony Jewell, of the Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Strategic Health Authority, said Britons could "learn lessons" from colder countries.

Simple steps such as keeping homes warm, keeping active and wearing hats made a lot of difference, he said.

His advice follows reports that 2,500 people will have died from the cold during the 15 to 22 December cold snap.

If you walk around any of the major towns in the region on a cold day, you will hardly see anyone wearing a scarf, hat or gloves - but, if you went on the streets of Helsinki, you would see everyone wearing them Tony Jewell

Mr Jewell said Britons often put themselves in danger by being "complacent" about the cold.

"If you walk around any of the major towns in the region on a cold day, you will hardly see anyone wearing a scarf, hat or gloves. But, if you went on the streets of Helsinki, you would see everyone wearing them.

"They have a completely different attitude to the cold," he said.

"Even if you pop out to the shops for 20 minutes, you still need to wrap up well."

Mr Jewell warned that the impact the cold can have on health should not be underestimated.

He said falling temperatures could lead to a higher risk of colds or flu.

'Do our bit'

A reduction in body temperature could lead to a thickening of the blood and a rise in blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attack - especially for the elderly.

He urged people to be prepared for the cold and take steps to combat it when it came.

"We can all help do our bit," he said.

"Keep an eye out for elderly neighbours and make sure they know the cold weather is on its way and what to do.

"Children are also at risk from the cold and parents should make sure their kids are well protected against the elements."

Estimated deaths 15 to 22 December North East - 145 North West - 320 Yorkshire and Humberside - 252 East Midlands - 198 West Midlands - 272 East - 268 London - 302 South East - 410 South West - 245 Wales - 148 Source: Faculty of Public Health

Research published last week by the Faculty of Public Health and the Met Office showed that 2,500 people in England and Wales will have died from the cold during the 15-22 December cold snap.

As many as 50,000 people could die "unnecessarily" in the UK this winter, it said - mainly from treatable ailments such as heart or breathing problems caused by cold or damp housing.

The study said a higher proportion of the UK's population dies as a result of the cold than in either Finland or Russia.