Self Care Week

Self Care Week Reminds us to Practise Self Care for Life


Self Care Week is the annual national event that raises awareness of what we can all do to improve our physical health and mental wellbeing. This year, the theme is Practise Self Care for Life.

The organiser of Self Care Week is the Self Care Forum, a charity which aims to empower and encourage everyone to make self care their everyday habit.  And the Self Care Forum knows just how important this message is, particularly when times are as tough as they are right now.

Incorporating the practise of self-care into our everyday lives can help us to live as healthily as possible. And better health for us can help us cope better with the challenges that come our way.

Self Care Week is a perfect time to think about how we live our lives and maybe make some small changes that will help us take better care of ourselves and our families. Those changes could mean looking at what we eat or drink, or how much exercise we do or how much sleep we are getting. They could be about our work life balance, because staying connected to our friends and family is also vital to our wellbeing, and theirs.

Knowing what to do and where to go for help is an important part of practising self care for life. Remember, it isn’t just the GP practice that can help, pharmacies are also health experts. They are on every High Street and can help with all sorts of ailments. Pharmacists can also signpost you to the right place for additional health advice or treatment.

Remember, NHS 111 can also be a good resource for health advice for things that are not life-threatening. And the NHS website has lots of information on what steps to take to look after you and your family. https://www.nhs.uk/  The Self Care Forum also has some useful fact sheets you might like to download. https://www.selfcareforum.org/fact-sheets/

The important thing to remember is, practising self care is something we all need to do every day. For ourselves.  For our families.  And for the NHS.

Can the Pharmacist help with your symptoms?

The pharmacist is an excellent source of advice for many common ailments, such as:

  • Low Back Pain
  • Eczema
  • Heartburn and Indigestion
  • Fever in Children
  • Constipation
  • Headache
  • Coughs in Adults Acne (spots)
  • Sprains and Strains
  • Sore Throat
  • Ear Ache
  • Common Cold
  • Sinusitis

Be prepared...

To makeover your medicine cabinet

Coughs, colds, headaches and other common illnesses can leave you feeling unwell and struggling to carry on as normal. Be prepared by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home.

All it takes is just 5 minutes to make sure your medicine cabinet is ready to help you manage common illnesses. GPs recommend your medicine cabinet should contain the following:

  • A self care guide
  • Painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
  • Antihistamines for allergies
  • Antiseptic cream for bites and stings
  • A laxative to help constipation
  • Sunscreen
  • A first aid kit with plasters and bandages to manage cuts and sprains

Always be careful to follow the product instructions and regularly check medicines are still in date. If you’re not sure what medicines to stock or how best to treat the symptoms of common health problems, ask your pharmacist for advice.

If you think your child has infective conjunctivitis (sometimes known as ‘pink eye’)

Infective conjunctivitis typically involves red or pink eyes that may be sticky or watery and can cause irritation, although the condition is usually pain free. Most cases clear up in a few days without any treatment.

You DON’T need to:

  • See a GP or practice nurse
  • Use antibiotics
  • Keep them away from school (unless they are feeling particularly unwell)

You DO need to:

  • Bathe any sticky or crusty coating on eyelids or eyelashes with water and cotton wool
  • Keep their eyes uncovered
  • Discourage them from touching their eyes
  • Encourage them to wash their hands with soap and warm water regularly throughout the day
  • Make sure they use their own towels and pillows
  • Buy lubricant eye drops over the counter from a pharmacist in severe cases

Download the fact sheets below: