Health Minister: Small steps can make a big difference this winter
Date published:
The Department of Health is reminding the public to play their part in staying healthy and well this winter.
Existing pressures on health and social care services have the potential to rise further during the winter months.
Speaking during National Self-Care Week, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is taking the opportunity to remind everyone to look after their own physical health and mental wellbeing this winter.
Minister Nesbitt said: “Each of us can play our part in managing our own health and wellbeing this winter. Our health and social care services face even more pressure at this time of year, so any steps that we can take, no matter how small, can make a big difference in helping to protect ourselves against the effects of infections and seasonal viruses.
“Self-Care Week is a great opportunity to highlight how to better look after ourselves. Looking after your mental health is also really important, especially over the festive period. It can be a difficult, sometimes lonely period for a lot of people, particularly for the older members of our community. I would encourage people to check in on friends and older neighbours and offer any help and support you can.
“Community Pharmacies are also a great source of information, particularly for minor illnesses and ailments, through the Pharmacy First service. Speak to your local pharmacist if you need advice around colds, flu and sore throats. You do not need an appointment for this. Look after yourself and others this winter.”
Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Michael McBride said: “Providing people with all the necessary resources to enable them to take care of their own physical and mental health is crucial. Not only does it equip us to make better, healthier choices for our overall wellbeing, but it can also help ease the burden on our health and social care services. Vaccinations also play an important part in keeping people safe and well over the festive period and I would encourage anyone eligible to get vaccinated against Covid-19 and the flu.
“I encourage everyone to take steps to improve your health and wellbeing, including some longer steps. Please consider using services to help you stop smoking, reduce your alcohol intake and increase your physical activity.”
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. Further information can be found on the NI Direct, HSC and Public Health Agency websites.
Online resources available at:-
Keeping warm - Keep warm, keep healthy | HSC Public Health Agency(external link opens in a new window / tab)
Eating well - https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/the-eatwell-guide-and-resources(external link opens in a new window / tab)
Stop smoking services - Stop Smoking(external link opens in a new window / tab)
Mental Health - Minding your head(external link opens in a new window / tab)
Pharmacy First service - HSC NI website(external link opens in a new window / tab)
NI Direct - Living well | nidirect(external link opens in a new window / tab)
NI Direct - symptom checker(external link opens in a new window / tab)
Choose To Live Better advice on eating well and getting active - Welcome to a better you | Choose to Live Better(external link opens in a new window / tab)
NI Direct - Flu vaccine | nidirect(external link opens in a new window / tab)
NI Direct - COVID-19 vaccine | nidirect(external link opens in a new window / tab)
HSC Apps Library - HSC Apps Library – DHCNI
Notes to editors:
- Self-Care Week is an annual national awareness week, ran by the Self Care Forum, that focuses on embedding support for self-care. More information can be found at National Self-Care Week - Self-Care Forum
- For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office by email pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.
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