Take simple steps to improve your wellbeing this winter

The Department of Health is highlighting the importance of taking steps to care for yourself this winter.

Winter can affect people's health, particularly those over 65 and people who have a long-term health condition.

Marking this year's National Self Care Week, which aims to empower people to better look after their physical and mental wellbeing, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: "Self Care Week provides an excellent opportunity to highlight some of the ways that we can all manage or improve our own mental and physical health. This is particularly important over winter.

"Some simple steps can help protect against the effects of the cold weather and winter viruses. If you are eligible for a free flu or COVID vaccination, take up the offer. If you do start to feel unwell, you can visit your local pharmacist for help and advice, particularly for coughs and colds.

"Community pharmacies provide treatment and advice to help manage a range of minor illness that can be accessed without the need for an appointment, including Pharmacy First Services."

The Pharmacy First Service provides confidential consultations on common illnesses in a private area of the pharmacy where symptoms will be assessed and treatment may be given.

Advice can also be accessed online on other ways to keep well by keeping warm, keeping moving and eating well.

You may also consider longer term steps to improve your overall health, for example by accessing services to help stop smoking. Information on the support available can be found on the NI Direct, HSC and Public Health Agency websites.

Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Michael McBride said: "Empowering people to make healthier choices and highlighting the wide range of support and advice that is available is central to equipping us all to live healthier lives and protect our own physical and mental health and that of those we care for, particularly over the winter period. I would encourage people to use the resources available, consider accessing support to improve their health through initiatives such as smoking cessation services, take up vaccinations if eligible and for those who may need support from others to reach out."

The Minister continued: "Staying in contact and connecting with others is important for maintaining your mental health and ensuring we support each other.

"The cold winter months can be a particularly difficult time for older members of our community and we would also ask people to look out for their older neighbours and check in on them particularly during a cold spell.

"I would urge everyone to avail of information and services available and to look after yourselves and others over the winter period."

Online resources are available at -

Keeping warm Keep warm, keep healthy | HSC Public Health Agency

Eating well https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/the-eatwell-guide-and-resources

Stop smoking services Stop Smoking

Mental health Minding your head

Pharmacy First service HSC NI website

NI Direct Living well | nidirect

NI Direct symptom checker

Choose To Live Better advice on eating well and getting active - Welcome to a better you | Choose to Live Better

NI Direct Flu vaccine | nidirect

NI Direct COVID-19 vaccine | nidirect

HSC Apps Library HSC Apps Library - DHCNI

Notes to editors:

1. Self-Care Week is an annual national awareness week that focuses on embedding support for self-care. More information can be found at National Self-Care Week - Self Care Forum
2. For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office by email [email protected].
3. Follow us on X @healthdpt and linkedIn Department of Health NI | LinkedIn
4. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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