This week is national self-care week and as we continue to manage the Covid-19 pandemic, self-care is more important than ever before. The theme for this year is ‘live self-care for life’.
We often talk about self-care in terms of our mental health and wellbeing, what we do for ourselves from reading a book to taking a long bath. Self-care week focuses more on making sure you have the right information to give yourself or others the right care and when you should seek professional medical help. You can find out more about what is meant by self-care and why is it good for people on the Self Care Forum website.
As we head into what is likely to be a difficult winter for the NHS, it’s essential that we have the right information to know when we can look after ourselves and when we need to go to the GP or even a hospital (the NHS is still there to provide the care when needed).
The Self Care Forum have created some factsheets for common illnesses and health problems which include:
- Useful facts
- What you can do to help yourself – now and in the future
- When to seek medical help (the ‘red flags’)
- Where to find out more
For more information and advice go to call NHS 111 or visit www.nhs.uk for a complete guide to conditions, symptoms and treatments, including what to do and when to get help. You can ask your local pharmacy for advice and suggestions for over the counter medicines that may help. Your GP practice is still there for you. For your safety, you will need to contact them by phone or online to begin with so they can decide if a face to face appointment is needed.
Advice for parents and carers
It can be worrying when children are ill, especially if you’re not sure what to do but taking care of your little one at home is often the best thing to do. We may be dealing with a global pandemic, but the usual childhood illnesses - like sore throats, earache and upset tummies – unfortunately aren’t going anywhere and health services are likely to come under increased pressure in the months ahead. It’s equally important to know the tell-tale signs and symptoms for when to ask for help from a health professional.
This quick-reference guide for parents and carers has tips for dealing with some of the most common childhood illnesses at home and when to ask for help.
For detailed information on what you should do if your child has COVID-19 symptom(s) and/or you are unsure if they should be attending school here is a quick guide to COVID-19 (coronavirus) absence for parents and carers.
Supporting working parents and carers
As part of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion group we have introduced a new network to focus on supporting working parents and carers. If you would like to find out more about this group or get involved you can email EDI@growthco.uk or get in touch with Naomi Ilagoswa, the network lead.
With any luck you will avoid the usual winter bugs and colds but if not, hopefully this information will come in handy.