What is self-care?
Self-care refers to the actions we take to recognise, treat and manage our own health. It’s about doing small, everyday things for yourself to keep healthy and happy.
What are the benefits?
Self-care is good for you and for the NHS. There are lots of benefits to self-care.
We believe it’s:
- Quicker – No need to wait for a GP appointment. You can buy the medicines you need over the counter at your local pharmacy or supermarket and have them ready to use at home.
- Easier – Many treatments can be bought without the need for a prescription at your local pharmacy or supermarket, often for much less than a prescription charge.
- Simple – Advice and information about self-care is widely available online. You can also call into any pharmacy for advice on the best treatment for your minor illness.
- Considerate – Self-care helps relieve pressures on GP Practices, A&E and could potentially save the NHS around £136m every year.
Where can I go for advice?
There is a lot of information now available to support self-care and to help manage minor illnesses. Here are our top suggestions:
Online self-care advice for minor illness:
- NHS: www.nhs.uk – NHS is the UKs biggest health website. It has lots of advice on illnesses and how to treat them.
- Stay Well Derbyshire: This website has lots of leaflets with advice on common minor illnesses. You can also find your nearest pharmacy and other Derbyshire specific information.
- HANDi App: This free app offers help and advice for parents and carers looking after children with the common childhood illnesses. This can be downloded via the app store on iTunes and Google Play.
Online advice for general self-care and wellbeing:
- Live Life Better Derbyshire: This website offers friendly advice on feeling fitter, losing weight and quitting smoking. Live Life Better Derbyshire staff know it can be tough to make changes and will be with you every step of the way offering free support and advice.
- Livewell Derby: Livewell’s caring experts offer free advice and support. Helping you to lose weight, stop smoking, get fitter and transform your life.
- One You: One You is another great website to help you make small changes that fit your life, so you feel better and healthier, every day.
Download this guide: Your Guide to being Self-Care Aware
