Making small changes can make a big difference. Higham Ferrers Surgery are supporting this initiative to help you take care of your own health and wellbeing.

It is often quicker and easier, rather than waiting for an appointment at the practice, for you to visit a Community Pharmacist for minor and/or self limiting conditions, including acne, dandruff and fungal nail infections. Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals who are able to give advice, recommend the right treatments for these self treatable conditions and can explain the normal duration of symptoms.

They can also offer you help to stop smoking, manage your weight, and can often provide flu jabs and blood pressure checks. Many pharmacies also have private consulting rooms.

Get active; advice is to exercise for at least twenty minutes a day, it’s ideal if you can incorporate this into your day by ditching the car and walking to work, or walking the dog, taking the stairs or even dancing around the kitchen table to your favourite songs!· Make positive changes! Take steps to stop those bad habits that don’t serve you well. This Self Care Week make a plan to stop smoking, reduce your alcohol intake and get active! Your pharmacist can help with lifestyle changes such as weight management and stop smoking services. · Stop! These days we lead such busy lives that we sometimes forget to slow down and stop. Find time in your day to just quieten your mind. Mindfulness or yoga might be helpful.

Rest. A good’s night’s sleep is as essential to our health and wellbeing as eating healthily and exercising so, make sure you get the recommended 7-8 hours a night!

Eat well. We all know that healthy eating is crucial to our health so we can start by swapping unhealthy snacks for healthy options such as nuts, seeds and fruit. Ask your pharmacist for advice on managing your weight.

The following websites contain lots of helpful information and factsheets on common ailments and how they should be treated as it is not always necessary for you to book an appointment to see your Doctor:

Self Care Forum website: http://www.selfcareforum.org/fact-sheets/ 

The CCG website: https://www.neneccg.nhs.uk/your-health/Looking-after-yourself/be-self-care-aware.htm