NHS helps people to take care of themselves during self care week

NHS Birmingham East and North is encouraging people to take control of their own health and wellbeing as national Self Care Week is launched. 

Self Care Week, which runs from 15 – 21 November, aims to get people, especially those with a long term condition, to take control by learning about how they can better look after their own health. Self care is how you take medicines, treat minor ailments and seek help when you need it, as well as keeping fit and healthy. And if you have a long term condition, it is about understanding that condition and how to live with it on a day to day basis. 

As part of Self Care Week 2010, NHS Birmingham East and North is directing people to its website, which has a wealth of information on self care, such as the Expert Patients Programme, which offers a course for people with long-term conditions to learn more about their condition and control their symptoms, and the Be active scheme, which gives people in Birmingham free access to leisure centres and swimming pools. There are also links to health resources such as NHS Choices, which has a dedicated page at www.nhs.uk/selfcare containing useful information on self care support and links to information on specific health conditions. 

People can also talk to their GP, local pharmacist or practice nurse to find out more about health services and how they can help with self care. 

Ruby Dillon, Health Improvement Specialist at NHS Birmingham East and North, said: “People say they want to look after their own health and most people with a long term condition tend to be experts in their own care, but some still do not understand their condition or are unsure when and why they take their medicines. On average, people spend just four hours a year with a healthcare professional – the rest of the time they look after themselves”. 

“Learning to look after your health is a good thing – it puts you in control, improves quality of life and helps you live more healthily. NHS Birmingham East and North and your GP can support you with your self care, from giving you a free flu jab to supplying you with a Healthy Lifestyles brochure to helping you to become an Expert Patient.”