23.11.10
Some like it cold
As winter approaches it’s reassuring to know that according to government statistics just published, there was a dramatic drop in excess winter deaths in the severe winter of 2009/10, the coldest in 14 years, compared to the milder winter of 2008/09.
Apparently, excess winter mortality is mostly not caused by conditions directly related to the cold, such as hypothermia but by exacerbation of pre-existing conditions.
Surprisingly, Finland, with its very cold winters, has the lowest winter mortality in Europe while Portugal, with its milder climate, has the highest.
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]