Take control of your health this winter through great self care

Health, care and voluntary organisations in Lincolnshire are backing a national campaign to urge everyone to learn more about self care to keep healthy this winter.

Self Care Week runs from November 13-19 and aims to empower everyone to do all they can to look after themselves and their families, physically and emotionally, for the short and long term.

So what can Lincolnshire's residents do to support great self care?

• Try Public Health England's One You quiz for tips about what changes you can make. The quiz asks some simple questions about your lifestyle and gives ideas of manageable changes you can make. If you put your postcode in, you will also be shown where to get further local help and support.
• Stock up your medicine cabinet so you can treat minor ailments and injuries at home. Local pharmacists have a wealth of knowledge to support you and can help with over the counter medicines. Still not sure? Visit the NHS Choices website or call 111 day or night for advice and signposting into the right health service for your needs.
• Be more active! Trying a new activity can significantly improve your physical and emotional wellbeing, as well as being a great way to gain confidence and meet new people. Transform your activity levels with Active Lincolnshire's Activity Finder (activelincolnshire.com/activityfinder), where you can choose from hundreds of activities to find something to suit you.
• Leisure centres across Lincolnshire are offering a range of offers and sessions throughout Self Care Week. For more information, call into your local centre.
• Consider volunteering or joining a local community group to improve your self esteem, lift your mood or develop new skills. There is a growing list of groups available in Lincolnshire. For more information visit lincolnshirevolunteering.org.uk
• Meet new friends and get out of the house through day centres or luncheon clubs or take a look at the other help and advice available through Adult Care services. For more information, lincolnshire.gov.uk/adult-care

Organisations across Lincolnshire will also be giving expert advice and handy tips on social media throughout Self Care Week.

Wendy Martin, executive lead nurse, midwife and quality at NHS Lincolnshire West Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "Self care is all about knowing how to live healthier lives by changing habits and lifestyle choices. It is also about knowing what minor ailments such as hay fever or cuts and grazes you can treat yourself with a well-stocked medicine cabinet or first aid kit and how pharmacists can help with over the counter medicines.

"There is also a wealth of information available on the NHS Choices website to help you look after yourself when suffering from more minor conditions. As winter approaches, by being clear on good self care practices and alternative places to get health advice and minor treatment, people can make sure they stay healthy over the colder months."

Peta Hill, programme manager at Lincolnshire County Council, said: "Some simple changes to your lifestyle can add up to big improvements to your health. Whatever your goals - whether you want to look younger, have more energy, get a good night's sleep, better manage a health condition or feel fitter, there is a range of useful 'One You' tools, apps and support.

"Staying active, for example, is key to many aspects of our health - lifting your mood, as well as keeping you fit. Volunteering or joining a social group can also benefit both your physical and mental health. If we all take steps to look after ourselves now, we can avoid illnesses like diabetes and heart disease, and live a longer and happier life."

Ben Barley, chief executive of Voluntary Centre Services, said: "The benefits of volunteering are vast to both the individual and the organisation they choose to support. We are able to help individuals connect with a growing network of community organisations, such as scout groups, charities or local support groups. Volunteering can help improve confidence, help develop new skills , prevent social isolation and greatly improve quality of life.

"We are also working alongside organisations including NHS Trusts and local authorities to make it easier to know how to access opportunities and support. A great example of this is a social prescribing project in Gainsborough. We are seeing really positive changes in the community from broadening the knowledge and awareness of how community and voluntary services can provide alternative, non-medical support as part of a person's care."

• For more help and advice on self care and Self Care Week, visit selfcareforum.org.