WE ARE A SELF CARE AWARE PRACTICE    

 WHAT IS SELF CARE?

Self-care is about looking after yourself in a healthy way.  It can be anything from brushing your teeth, doing some exercise, maintaining a healthy balanced diet, managing common conditions (like headaches, colds and flu) or living with a long-term health problem, such as asthma or diabetes.

 As a self-care aware practice we are here to help you feel able to look after your own health when it is right for you.  We want to support you to self-care for life and understand how to take better care of yourself and your family members, especially during the winter months, when seasonal illnesses increase.

Preventing ill health is important during winter and so choose lifestyle options that will impact positively on your physical health, mental wellbeing and self esteem.  To beat those winter blues and keep healthy make sure you eat well, drink in moderation, stop smoking and stay active.

 WINTER AILMENTS

If you do catch a winter ailment such as a cough, cold or sore throat, treat yourself better by keeping warm and drinking plenty of fluids.  Over the counter medicines can help with symptom relief and a pharmacist can offer advice if you need it.

 As well as pharmacy support, the NHS Choices website and the Self Care Forum website can provide helpful information on common winter ailments such as coughs, colds, sore throats and fever in children.

MINOR AILMENTS

If you have a minor ailment such as thrush, headlice, cold sores, mouth ulcers, threadworms, athlete’s foot, diarrhea or ear wax you can get advice and treatment free of charge from the pharmacy.

ANTIBIOTICS

Antibiotics are important medicines used to treat infections caused by bacteria.  Antibiotics DO NOT treat infections caused by viruses such as colds, coughs and flu.

LONG TERM CONDITIONS

If you have a long term condition, prepare for winter by ensuring you don’t run out of your medication.  Ensure you attend any appointments arranged by the practice or hospital.

 A&E FOR LIFE THREATENING EMEGENCIES

Before you visit A&E, remember what it’s there for.  It provides vital care for life threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, suspected heart attacks, breathing difficulties, or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped.

EXERCISE

Exercise is one of the most important parts of keeping your body at a healthy weight.  Exercise helps people lose weight and lower the risk of some diseases.  Exercising to maintain a healthy weight decreases a person’s risk of developing certain diseases, including type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

DIET

A healthy balanced diet is one that gives your body the nutrition it needs to function properly.  In order to get truly balanced nutrition, you should obtain the majority of your daily calories from fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

SLEEP

Sleep plays an important role in your physical health and it’s essential for your health and wellbeing.  It is recommended that adults should get 7 – 8 hours per night.

 For more information on self care, visit the Self Care Forum website:

 www.selfcareforum.org