What is self-care?

Self-care refers to the actions we take to recognise, treat and manage our own health.

It’s about doing small, everyday things for yourself to keep happy and healthy.

What are the benefits?

Self-care is good for you and for the NHS.

There are lots of benefits to self-care. We believe it is:

• Quicker – no need to wait for a GP appointment. You can buy the medicines you need over the counter at your local pharmacy or supermarket and have them ready to use at home
• Easier – many treatments can be bought without the need for a prescription at your local pharmacy or supermarket
• Simple – advice and information about self-care is widely available online. You can also call into any pharmacy for advice on the best treatment for your minor illness
• Considerate – self-care helps relieve pressures on GP practices, A&E and could potentially save the NHS around £136m every year

Where can I go for advice?

There is lots of information now available to support self-care and to help manage minor illnesses.

Here are our top suggestions:

• Online self-care advice for minor illness
• The NHS website – the NHS website is the UK’s biggest health website. It has lots of advice on illnesses and how to treat them
• HANDi App – this free app offers help and advice for parents and carers looking after children with the common childhood illnesses.

For more information on self-care visit the NHS stay well Derbyshire website.