Self Care

Staying active, checking your medication and knowing how to treat common illnesses yourself are just some of the little things we can all do to prevent health and wellbeing issues getting to the point of needing medical help.

The benefits of exercising self-care go beyond not having to take time out of your day to see a healthcare professional. Very often over-the-counter remedies can be much cheaper than getting them on prescription. Paracetamol, for example, costs as little as 34 pence and completely stocking your medicine cabinet with staple medicines and remedies can be done for under £15.

There are also benefits for mental and physical health, as good self-care includes getting more exercise, quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight. One of the simplest self-care behaviours is trying a new hobby which distracts the mind from day-to-day troubles and can give you a sense of achievement. Speaking to a social prescribing link worker could help find something for you.

Most GP practices have access to social prescribing link workers or health coaches. Their role is to establish what is affecting your health and wellbeing and explore ways to tackle those issues. They can guide you through the different options and support you into a service that best suits your needs. They will even go as far as going with you to a new group or service if you need it.

Information Videos

Information videos about the most common illnesses and ailments that can be treated by self-care at home are available on the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS website.

The list includes hot baths and over-the-counter painkillers for colds, honey and lemon in warm water for coughs, olive oil in the ears to help with build-up of ear wax and exercises on how to improve balance if you’re unsteady on your feet.

These videos also contain information about how long the illness may last and at what point you should consider seeking medical advice from your doctor.

Self Care Information

Social Prescribing Link Workers

We’re taking the self out of self-care. If you want to improve your health and wellbeing there is lots of help and support available to you. Social prescribing link workers are available through your GP practice.

Pharmacy

You’d be amazed at how much self-care advice you can get from your local pharmacist. They can offer all kinds of advice and support to you are not alone in looking after yourself.

National Diabetes Prevention Programme

The National Diabetes Prevention Programme is a great way to prevent type 2 diabetes and helps with weight loss and lifestyle changes. It’s a way of guiding you through the self-care behaviours you need. https://www.lancashireandsouthcumbria.icb.nhs.uk/our-work/diabetes/national-diabetes-prevention-programme

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is painful and can last several weeks but over the counter medicines will do the trick so you don’t always need to see a doctor. Making sure you wear fresh socks every day is a good way to help. 

Back Pain

Back pain is common and there are ways to treat the symptoms yourself at home. You only need to see a GP under certain circumstances or if it doesn’t ease off. Try a hot bath or speak to your pharmacist for some advice on rub on painkillers. See your GP if the pain doesn’t ease after 3 days, if it moves to your chest or if you also have a fever. Seek urgent advice through NHS 111 you feel numb or get pins and needles or if you lose control of your bowels or urination. 

Bites and Stings

Bites and stings are nothing to worry about usually. Soap and water will help. Just DON’T use vinegar or bicarbonate of soda like those old wives’ tales say.

Chicken Pox

Chicken pox affects lots of children but the old at home remedies are often the best. Like wearing socks on hands at night to stop them scratching. Your pharmacist will have ointments to help with chicken pox.

Colds

It’s the time of year where colds are likely . There’s no need go to the doctor with a cold as you can treat it at home. Make sure you have lots of fluids and take cheap painkillers like paracetamol. Save yourself a long wait for a GP by following this simple advice. 

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis affects the eyes and can last up to two weeks but can be treated with warm water. It’s rarely anything too serious.

Constipation

Constipation can be painful but drinking plenty of water and eating more fruits and vegetables should help. 

Coughs

It’s the time of year when coughs and colds are likely, but they will clear up after a few weeks. It’s only if a cough lasts longer that you need to seek medical help.

Cradle Cap

Cradle cap is perfectly normal and very common. It will clear up on its own with regular washing with baby safe shampoo.

Ear Infections

Ear infections are very common and can be treated fairly easily at home. Use painkillers and drink plenty of fluids. Check with children for signs of other illnesses See the GP if you also have a temperature over 38C or if you have other symptoms such as sickness or dizziness Seek emergency care if it’s a child and they also have a rash that doesn’t fade with pressure.

Ear Wax

GPs don’t always see people to clear ear wax. Believe it or not a few drops of olive oil in your ear will help loosen ear wax. Just don’t stick cotton buds in there!

Headaches

A headache is rarely an emergency. Different types of headaches mean different ways to treat them, but it usually boils down to rest, drinking plenty of fluids and cheap painkillers.

Sore Throat

Sore throats can be treated really easily at home or with help from a pharmacist.

Sprains and Strains

If you sprain or strain a limb it might hurt but it isn’t an emergency. They can often be treated yourself without the need for medical help. Remember PRICE – Protect, Rest, Ice, Compression bandage, Elevate. Seek medical advice if you can’t move the limb at all, it’s deformed or if you notice serious bruising.