The Department of Health is reminding the public to play their part in staying healthy and well this winter.

Existing pressures on health and social care services have the potential to rise further during the winter months.

Speaking during National Self-Care Week, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is taking the opportunity to remind everyone to look after their own physical health and mental wellbeing this winter.

Minister Nesbitt said: “Each of us can play our part in managing our own health and wellbeing this winter. Our health and social care services face even more pressure at this time of year, so any steps that we can take, no matter how small, can make a big difference in helping to protect ourselves against the effects of infections and seasonal viruses.

“Self-Care Week is a great opportunity to highlight how to better look after ourselves. Looking after your mental health is also really important, especially over the festive period. It can be a difficult, sometimes lonely period for a lot of people, particularly for the older members of our community.  I would encourage people to check in on friends and older neighbours and offer any help and support you can.

“Community Pharmacies are also a great source of information, particularly for minor illnesses and ailments, through the Pharmacy First service. Speak to your local pharmacist if you need advice around colds, flu and sore throats. You do not need an appointment for this. Look after yourself and others this winter.”

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. Further information can be found on the NI Direct, HSC and Public Health Agency websites.

Online resources available at:-

Keeping warm - https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/keep-warm-keep-healthy

Eating well - https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/the-eatwell-guide-and-resources

Stop smoking services - https://www.stopsmokingni.info/

Mental Health - https://www.mindingyourhead.info/

Pharmacy First service - https://online.hscni.net/our-work/pharmacy-and-medicines-management/community-pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/

Living well - https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/living-well

Symptom checker - https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/illnesses-and-conditions     

Choose To Live Better advice on eating well and getting active - https://www.choosetolivebetter.com/

Flu vaccine - https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/flu-vaccine

Covid-19 vaccine - https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/covid-19-vaccine

HSC Apps Library - https://dhcni.hscni.net/hsc-apps-library/