Health and Social Care Board says to practice self-Care and improve your personal health and wellbeing
The COVID19 pandemic has left so many people in a state of poor physical and mental health.
Millions are working to restart their lives, restore their fitness and make sure they are taking the very best care of themselves and their loves ones.
Given the pressure on the Health service across Northern Ireland – there has never been a more important time for people to try and improve their personal health and wellbeing.
Self-care is the best choice to treat minor illnesses, ailments and injuries. A range of common illnesses such as aches and pains, coughs, colds, upset stomachs and sore throats can be treated with over the counter medicines and plenty of rest. Remember, whether treated or not, most of these common complaints will get better.
If people can take care of their minor ailments, that reduces the number of GP consultations and enables GPs to focus on caring for higher risk patients, such as those with comorbidities, the very young and elderly, managing long-term conditions and providing new services.
Invest in your future self this Self Care Week Nov 15-21 by making small changes that can make a big difference.
Examples of small steps to a healthier you, include:
- Get Active – advice is to exercise for at least twenty minutes a day, it’s ideal if you can incorporate this into your day by ditching the car and walking to work, or walking the dog, taking the stairs or even dancing around the kitchen table to your favourite songs!
- Eat Well – We all know that healthy eating is crucial to our health so we can start by swapping unhealthy snacks for healthy options such as nuts, seeds and fruit. Ask your pharmacist for advice on managing your weight.
- Adopting Positive Lifestyle Choices – Take steps to stop those bad habits that don’t serve you well. This Self Care Week make a plan to stop smoking, reduce your alcohol intake and get active! Your pharmacist can help with lifestyle changes such as weight management and stop smoking services.
To access more information about Self Care and lifestyle changes visit NI Direct:
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/information-and-services/health-and-wellbeing.
