People across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are being encouraged to 'exercise self-care for life' as part of self-care week.
Everyone can make small changes to their lifestyle to improve their physical and mental wellbeing, such as eating a well-balanced diet, being active, or quitting smoking. For those living with a long-term health condition such as diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or asthma, self-care is also about understanding your condition and how to manage it.
Self-care week, which runs until 20 November, is an annual national awareness campaign that aims to help people understand what they can do to look after their own health and that of their family.
Great examples of self-care are knowing what steps you can take to treat minor illnesses at home, when to visit a pharmacy or visit NHS 111 online, or when you need an Urgent Treatment Centre or Emergency Department.
Sarah Taylor2, from Hampshire, recently used the 111 service when she needed help for her daughter who was unwell with a severe sore throat.
Sarah said:
"My experience of using NHS 111 was incredibly positive. I was able to ring them about an issue we were having with one of our daughters and very quickly we had the opportunity to speak to a practitioner.
"He was fantastic, he was such a brilliant listener and he really took time. We didn't feel at all rushed, and the end result was that he was able to prescribe really quickly for my daughter and the issue was resolved within a few days."
Your local pharmacy can also offer you clinical advice and over the counter medicines and treatments for a range of minor health concerns, such as coughs, colds or flu-like symptoms, stomach aches, earaches, sickness and diarrhoea, rashes, allergies, aches and pains – all without having to book an appointment.
This self-care week is the perfect time to think about how we live our lives and make some small changes to improve our health and wellbeing.
Why not consider:
- Taking Vitamin D supplements, especially if you're unable to get outside regularly
- Boost your immunity with good food and regular exercise
- Making sure your medicine cabinet is fully stocked. Things like paracetamol, aspirin, cold and cough medicines, mild laxatives, rehydration mixtures and indigestion remedies are a good place to start
- Get your COVID booster or flu jab to protect yourself and those around you
- Support your mental wellness by being connected to friends and family
Dr Michele Legg, Island GP and Clinical Director at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board said:
“As ever, your NHS is here for you. However, there are steps you can also take to help stay fit and well, especially ahead of the colder winter months. Simple things like eating well, getting vaccinated and regular exercise can play an important part in looking after yourself. Having a well stocked medicine cabinet as well as knowing which service to access if you need medical support can also help you get the most appropriate treatment quickly.
“We know this winter is going to be hard for many people and knowing where you are able to access help and support on the cost of living crisis is also important for people’s well-being. All our local authority partners have help and support available on their websites and in community settings such as libraries.”