Self-Care Week is just around the corner and is a national campaign to help promote the benefits of self-care. Each year a different theme is chosen for Self-Care Week and this year’s theme is: ‘self-care for life,’ to help you take control of your health throughout your whole life.

Self-care means keeping fit and healthy, as well as knowing how to take medicines, treat minor ailments and seek help when you need it. If you have a long-term condition, self-care is about understanding that condition and how to live with it. Seasonal illnesses are more frequent in winter, which is why it is important to take extra measures to stay well.

Sara Wood, occupational health and wellbeing manager at the Trust, says: “Choosing a healthy lifestyle can have a positive impact on your physical health, mental wellbeing and self-esteem.  To beat the winter blues, eat well, drink in moderation, stop smoking and stay active.

“Aim to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and also go for healthy alternatives. Rather than have an ice cream, have some yoghurt or have fruit instead of chocolate. Regular exercise will make your heart and circulatory system more efficient and also keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.

“Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can lead to high blood pressure and also multiply the risk of having a stroke by more than three times. Men should not drink more than three to four units of alcohol a day, that’s the equivalent of one pint of normal strength beer. Women should not drink more than two to three units of alcohol a day, which is equal to one medium-sized glass of wine.

“Stopping smoking can not only add years to your life, it can also improve your chances of living a disease-free and mobile life. It is never too late to benefit from quitting.”

For more information on Self-Care Week, please visit the Self Care Forum website: http://www.selfcareforum.org/.

Self-Care Week takes place between 16 and 22 November 2015.