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Self care

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    Self care starts with looking after your health to make sure you stay well. Many minor illnesses and injuries can be cared for at home, with no need to visit your GP. There are many ways you can access expert advice from home on how to manage feeling unwell.

    NHS UK

    The NHS website has clinical advice on the symptoms and treatment for hundreds of common illnesses.

    Ask a pharmacist

    Remember that your local pharmacist is a trained medical professional who can advise you on the right medicine to help with many ailments, such as sore throats, colds, asthma, eczema, hay fever, period pain and diarrhoea and vomiting.

    Keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet

    Be prepared for common illnesses and injuries by keeping your medicine cabinet stocked with these items all year round.

    What to keep in your medicine cabinet

    First aid kit

    A well-prepared first aid kit can help treat minor cuts, sprains and bruises, and reduce the risk of cuts becoming infected. Make sure your first aid kit has:

    • Bandages
    • Plasters
    • A thermometer
    • Antiseptic
    • Eyewash solution
    • Sterile dressings
    • Medical tape
    • Tweezers

    Hydration 

    Staying hydrated is essential for your body to function properly and for preventing dehydration. 

        

    You may need to drink more if you are:  

    • pregnant or breastfeeding 
    • in a hot environment 
    • physically active for long periods 
    • ill or recovering from illness 

    Keeping Warm

    Cold weather can have an adverse effect on the health and wellbeing of people both young and old, but it can be especially problematic for those who are vulnerable. 

    When it’s really cold, the best thing to do is stay indoors, with the house kept to at least 18 degrees. 

    If going outside is unavoidable, then dress appropriately, which means several layers of thinner clothing, rather than relying on one thick outer coat or jumper. 

    During the winter months, many community locations double up as warm spaces, and these offer local residents a safe and heated environment in which they can meet and socialise with others.  

    People can find details of their nearest warm space by visiting the website of their local council: 

    Reduce the risk of falls

    Here some useful resources to help you mitigate the risk of falls

     

    Health and wellbeing apps