Self-care

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self care for life

We want you to not only feel empowered to take responsibility for your own health, but also informed about what services are available should you require extra support.

Self-care is the best choice to treat minor illnesses and injuries. A large range of common illnesses and injuries can be treated at home simply with over-the-counter medicines and plenty of rest. This could include treatment for the following:

  • Minor aches and pains
  • Minor sprains, sports injuries, grazed knee and scars
  • Coughs, colds, blocked noses, fevers and sore throat
  • Hangover

Below are some other top tips to help you take care of yourself:

  1. Be prepared for most common ailments by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home. Find out what should be included here.
  2. Speak to your local pharmacist - many medicines for minor illness and ailments are avaiable over-the-counter.
  3. Get your flu jab during the winter season. You may be entitled to a free one - ask your GP or pharmacist for details
  4. Keep active to stay physically and mentally well
  5. Be mindful that sometimes symptoms can last longer than you think - sore throats can last an average of eight days
  6. Don’t forget, antibiotics don’t work on sore throats, coughs or colds

Visit the NHS website to find what lifestyle changes you can make in order to take care of yourself and find out what works best for you.

Remember, if you’re not sure whether you need to go to A&E, call NHS 111 first.

Self Care Fact Sheets

Below you can find guidance to help you take care of the most common ailments in a series of fact sheets written by the Self Care Forum. These provide useful facts about your condition, what you can expect to happen, how to help yourself, when you should see your GP and where to find out more information.

Useful Links