Department Of Health Encourages Self-Care This Winter

The Department of Health is urging people to take steps to care for their health and well-being, especially during the winter months.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised the importance of self-care, particularly for older adults and individuals with long-term health conditions. He highlighted the role of National Self-Care Week in empowering people to take control of their health.

The Minister encouraged individuals to adopt healthy habits, such as eating well, staying active, and getting enough sleep. He also stressed the importance of managing stress and seeking support when needed.

Minister Nesbitt said: "Some simple steps can help protect against the effects of the cold weather and winter viruses. If you are eligible for a free flu or COVID vaccination, take up the offer. If you do start to feel unwell, you can visit your local pharmacist for help and advice, particularly for coughs and colds.

"Community pharmacies provide treatment and advice to help manage a range of minor illness that can be accessed without the need for an appointment, including Pharmacy First Services."

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.

You may also consider longer term steps to improve your overall health, for example by accessing services to help stop smoking. Information on the support available can be found on the NI Direct, HSC and Public Health Agency websites. Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Michael McBride said: "Empowering people to make healthier choices and highlighting the wide range of support and advice that is available is central to equipping us all to live healthier lives and protect our own physical and mental health and that of those we care for, particularly over the winter period. I would encourage people to use the resources available, consider accessing support to improve their health through initiatives such as smoking cessation services, take up vaccinations if eligible and for those who may need support from others to reach out."

The Minister continued: "Staying in contact and connecting with others is important for maintaining your mental health and ensuring we support each other.

"The cold winter months can be a particularly difficult time for older members of our community and we would also ask people to look out for their older neighbours and check in on them particularly during a cold spell.

"I would urge everyone to avail of information and services available and to look after yourselves and others over the winter period."

Online resources are available at –

• Keeping warm Keep warm, keep healthy | HSC Public Health Agency

• Eating Well

• Stop smoking services Stop Smoking

• Mental health Minding your head

• Pharmacy First service HSC NI website

• NI Direct Living well | nidirect

• NI Direct symptom checker

• Choose To Live Better advice on eating well and getting active - Welcome to a better you | Choose to Live Better

• NI Direct Flu vaccine | nidirect

• NI Direct COVID-19 vaccine | nidirect

• HSC Apps Library HSC Apps Library – DHCNI