Make self-care a priority this winter
This Self Care Week (13-19 November), health leaders across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) are encouraging people to make their self-care a priority ahead of the cold winter months.
This year’s theme is ‘Mind & Body’, raising awareness of the importance of good mental and physical health, especially during the winter months where people are more likely to suffer from common health problems such as colds, blocked sinuses and aching joints.
People are being encouraged to practice self-care by doing activities they enjoy and spending time outdoors, as well as downloading apps that can support them with their child’s health and their own.
The BNSSG ORCHA Library provides hundreds of apps that can help support self-care, including apps to help manage existing conditions. The HandiApp is a free app which supports parents when their child becomes poorly. It has information for a range of childhood illnesses to aid self-care at home.
Local community pharmacists are also available for advice on over-the counter medicines to keep you well at home and can advise on common winter illnesses and how to treat them.
Ade Williams, a Bristol Community Pharmacist and Board Member of the Self Care Forum, said: “Self Care Week highlights the importance of good mental health and wellbeing, as well as getting yourself better when you become unwell from the comfort of your own home.
“If you are unsure about what medicine to use, local pharmacists can advise on the best course of action. We can even refer you to another service if we think it is appropriate.
“This year’s theme was chosen because mind and body work together to keep us going. When they don’t work together, that’s when we start to become unwell, and self-care is one of the best ways to feel ourselves again.”
Dr Joanne Medhurst, Chief Medical Officer at the BNSSG Integrated Care Board, added: “We are pleased to be supporting Self Care Week alongside our health and care partners. Keeping ourselves happy and healthy is so important, especially during the colder months.
“This winter, we encourage everyone to look after themselves and to consider some good practices when it comes to mental health and wellbeing.
“The NHS is expected to have a challenging winter ahead, that’s why it is important for people to begin thinking about checking their medicine cabinets and restocking what they need.”
Top tips and information about keeping well will be shared across Self Care Week on the Healthier Together X (formerly Twitter) account using the hashtag #SelfCareWeek.