SELF CARE
What is Self Care?
Self care is the practice of people taking action to preserve or improve their own health
Why should I self Care?
There are lots of benefits of self care, these include
It is quicker - there is no need to wait for an appointment here at your GP, you can get advice on minor illnesses online or from your local pharmacy
It is easier - you can ask the pharmacy for the best treatment for you, which can then be bought at your local pharmacy or supermarket yto use at home.
It is simple - you can get advice on self care from a variety of sources, wither from websites (some useful links are below) or from your pharmacy.
It is considerate - using self-care relieves pressure faced by NHS Services eg GP Practices and A & E. TReating minor illnesses allows our GP's to see patients with more serious medical needs.
There is a lot on information to support self-care and help you manage minor illnesses. Below is a list of top suggestions;
SWB CCG page on self care https://sandwellandwestbhamccg.nhs.uk/self-care
CCG Flo Cold and Flu video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXVbXWDTQJA&feature=emb_logo
Self Care Quiz http://www.quizbean.com/#/self-care-11/5dcecedaf1c1a
NHS Symptom Checker https://usetherightservice.com/self-care/nhs-symptom-checker/
Self care – wider context
NHS One You (more holistic, but use friendly) https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/
Self Care Forum – lots of resources – Patient leaflets can be quite lengthy
Sandwell Public Health https://www.healthysandwell.co.uk/our-services/
In addition did you know your pharmacy can give you advice on these conditions?
Colds, Constipation, Cold sores, Conjunctivitis, Cough, Dental Pain, Diarrhoea, Dry Eyes, Dry skin, Earache, Fever, Haemorrhoids, Hayfever, Headaches, Head Lice, Heartburn, Indigestion, Insect Bites, Migraines, Nappy rash, Rashes, Threadworm, Thrush, Temperature
Pharmacists are trained professionals and are often the best people to see in these instances, most pharmacies will have a private consultation room where they can offer you confidential advice.
We are keen to help patients improve on self help and hope that the following information will offer some insight into that.
Take a look and see if you can improve your own understanding of your health and well-being! Please encourage others to look here too.
Here is a list of ailments that can be safely self managed. You will see that you can take a look via the hyperlink at the other websites which can offer you further information about managing your condition.
Common ailments that can be self managed :