Published on: 18 November 2024
Self Care week which runs from 18 to 24 November aims to raise awareness of what everyone can do to improve their physical health and mental wellbeing.
The theme for this week is “Mind and Body” and it is the perfect time for everyone to think about how they live their lives and maybe make some small changes to help them take better care of themselves and their loved ones.
Some key things to consider this Self-care week are:
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- taking vitamin D supplements, particularly important for those shielding and unable to go outside
- good nutrition and regular exercise to support general wellbeing and help maximize people’s immunity
- adopting positive lifestyle choices
- increasing health literacy levels in the community and in schools
- supporting mental wellness by keeping connected, ensuring a sense of perspective, and taking further steps to maintain health
- understanding how to manage minor and long term health conditions
Dr Will Taylor, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire said: “It’s more important than ever to look after and protect yourself as well as your family and those you care for this winter.
“Some of the things worth doing include; trying to ensure good nutrition and exercise to enable wellbeing and maximise immunity; keeping connected with friends, family or community to support mental wellness; and understanding how to manage minor and long-term health conditions.
“Keeping up-to-date with all your immunisations is another important step in self care and I would urge everyone who is eligible to have a flu vaccine and Covid booster this year.”
Knowing what to do and where to go for help is an important part of practicing self care for life. It isn’t just GP practices that can help, pharmacists are also health experts and can be found on nearly every high street. Pharmacies can also signpost people to the right place for additional health advice or treatment.
NHS 111 online makes it easier for patients to get the advice or treatment they need in the right place. The service can also direct patients to Minor Injury Units, GPs, pharmacies, emergency dental services and, if needed, a healthcare professional will call an individual.
The important thing to remember is, practising self care is something that everyone needs to do every day. For themselves, for their families and for the NHS.
