Self care is the practice of looking after and prioritising our mental and physical wellbeing.
It is important to know the steps that you can take to keep yourself fit and healthy, how treat minor illnesses and ailments when they arise and when to seek medical support from a pharmacist, GP or other healthcare professional.
If you have a long-term health condition, understanding and managing it is an important part of self care.
NHS UK
NHS UK provides advice and guidance to help you take control of your health and wellbeing.
The Health A-Z is your complete guide to conditions, symptoms and treatments, including what to do and when to get help.
The Medicines A-Z supports you to find out how your medicine works, how and when to take it, possible side effects and offers answers to your common questions.
The dedicated Live Well section provides information about healthy living, including eating a balanced diet, healthy weight, exercise, quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol.
You can access specfic guidance around Mental Health, Pregnancy, Social Care and more.
From this website, you can also log in to your NHS account to book GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions and access a range of other healthcare services.
Go to www.nhs.uk to get started today.
NHS App
Northern Care Alliance has joined the growing number of NHS Trusts and GP practices allowing patients to access their appointments and referrals electronically through the NHS App.
The new NHS App allows you to view appointments in one place, book, change and cancel appointments, access documents and more.
You can download the NHS App on an iOS or Android device through the App store or Google Play. You can also access the same services by logging in through the NHS website in a web browser.
Click here to learn more and get started today.
NHS self care video playlist
The NHS Youtube hosts a playlist of self care videos, offering a visual resource for treating common ailments and injuries including:
Medicine cabinet
Be prepared for common ailments by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home. The following list, recommended by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, can help with most minor ailments.
Always follow the directions on medicine packets and information leaflets. Remember to regularly check expiry dates and keep medicines out of reach of children.
If you have questions about any medicines or you are unsure what is appropriate for your illness or condition, always ask your local pharmacist.
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Pain relief (paracetamol and ibuprofen)
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Decongestants - blocked or stuffy noses
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Indigestion treatment (antacids) for stomach aches and heartburn
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Antihistamines - for allergies, hay fever and insect bites.
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Anti-diarrhoea tablets
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Oral re-hydration salts
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Sunscreen
- Bandages, plasters and sterile dressings
- Eyewash solution
- Thermometer
- Antisepctic - to clean cuts before bandaging
Mental health resources
Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing.
Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.
Read more about the 5 steps to mental wellbeing.
You can also find resources, advice and guidance for managing mental health at Every Mind Matters.
Find out about the range of mental health and wellbeing support services in Greater Manchester that you can self-refer to. There’s information on this page for children and young people and adults.
The free Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust 24/7 crisis helpline for all ages is here to help service users, carers, and people living in the areas we serve. If you are worried or anxious about your mental health or feeling as though you are in a mental health crisis and need urgent support and help, please don't hesitate to call.
Open all day and night, 365 days per year and it is free of charge: 0800 953 0285.
If you are under a mental health service, please contact the team you are under for additional support.
If you need help for a mental health crisis or emergency, support services are available for you to access. Get urgent help for mental health.