Self Care for Life and Help the NHS Help You

15th November 2021

This Self Care Week (15-21 November) Stockport residents are being reminded that self care doesn’t mean do it yourself.

As main health services such as GPs, walk-in centres and A&E are busier than ever the best way to help avoid long waits is to prevent health and wellbeing issues getting to the point of needing medical help. Self care is the term used to describe just that, but it doesn’t mean you have to do all the work yourself.

Dr Cath Munro, Chair of NHS Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Being able to self care for common illnesses like earache, sore throats and upset stomachs is really important.  Symptoms of these illnesses usually go away in a few days and can be treated with medicine available over the counter from most supermarkets and pharmacies.

“We want to empower and help people take charge of their own health.  Everyone can make small changes to their lifestyle to help improve their physical health and mental wellbeing, such as maintaining an active lifestyle, eating a well-balanced diet, drinking less alcohol and quitting smoking.”

Dr Munro added, “We’d like to use Self Care Week to encourage people to talk to their local high street pharmacy or go online to find health advice via 111 online.”

The CCG has launched a Self Care information hub on its website, in line with National Self Care Week. There is information on symptoms and how to ease common conditions and ailments, along with useful practical tips and advice.

It currently features help and advice for the common cold, sore throats and snuffles as we move into winter. Each month new topics will be added.

To find some helpful self care tips go to www.Stockportccg.nhs.uk/taking-care-of/taking-care-of-winter-chills-and-snuffles/