Help yourself to better health

13th November 2018

Health and social care experts are urging people to Self-Care for Life and take control over their own health. The call comes as we mark this year’s Self Care Week which starts on 12 November.

Self-Care for Life is all about living well and being healthy. Many of us already practice this on a daily basis by choosing to eat healthily, to be active and to self-treat common ailments.

All of these things help you to improve your health and wellbeing, and give you back a sense of being in control of your own health.

Here are some simple steps to Self- Care for Life:

• Gain knowledge, skills and confidence in managing any health conditions you have – try visiting Healthy Stockport as a starting point

• Move more – you don’t even have to join a gym, take a brisk walk, do some gardening, leave the car at home, take the stairs, dance around the kitchen table

• Stop smoking – if you smoke one of the best things you can do for your health is to stop

• Sleep – a good night’s sleep is essential to good health so don’t burn the candle at both ends, make sure you get at least 7 hours sleep a night

• Drink less alcohol – most of us don’t realise how much we drink. Keep a check by downloading the free ‘One You’ Days off drink tracking app

• Eat well – it is vitally important to eat healthily and avoid too much salt, fat and sugar

• Connect – with the people around you: your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

• Learning new skills can give you a sense of achievement and a new confidence.

• Relax – we have such busy lives that we sometimes forget to take time out to relax, but it is essential for our physical and mental wellbeing.

Local GP Dr Cath Briggs, Chair of NHS Stockport CCG, added “If you’re living with a long term condition you’ll be aware that medication isn’t the only thing that helps. There is so much you can do to help yourself.

“Keeping as active as you can and eating a healthy diet are really important. And it goes without saying that, if you smoke, finding a way to quit is vital if you want to improve your health.

“There are also plenty of excellent, free NHS six week courses going on in Stockport for people with long term conditions. The Expert Patient courses will give you the skills to manage your symptoms better and feel more in control of your life.”

To book on a course or just find out more about them ask at your GP practice or ring 0161 835 6689.