‘Self Care for Life’, a week-long campaign encouraging the public to learn more about the actions they can take for themselves and their families to stay healthy, will be launched on Monday 16 November.

Self care means keeping fit and healthy, preventing illness or accidents, as well as knowing where to go for advice about treating minor ailments or when living with a long term condition such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and lung conditions.

Opportunities will be available throughout the week, 16 - 20 November, for the public to explore the importance of self care and where to go for advice and support.

The public is invited to meet staff and volunteers involved in self care across the Island, including staff from Noble’s Hospital, along with community, mental and occupational health services, at the opening event in the foyer of the hospital at 12:30pm.

Minister for Health and Social Care, Howard Quayle MHK said: “Self care and ill health prevention are fundamental parts of the Department’s Strategy which supports Government’s priority to protect the vulnerable.

“The ‘Self Care for Life’ campaign will help raise awareness with people about how they can safely treat minor ailments such as colds or fever, as well as how they can live healthily and prevent avoidable but more serious long term conditions such as Type 2 diabetes or heart disease.

“Helping people look after their own health by providing information, tools, support and care, enables people to stay well and to use health and care services appropriately. This helps us to manage demand, so that people receive care at the right time, in the right place.”

Ann Corkill, Senior Nurse Self Care said: “During Self Care Week, we aim to raise awareness about the support available for people to look after their own health, making self care a life-long habit. It’s about recognising that you can make a contribution to your own and your family’s health and wellbeing, by choosing the right services for your health needs, such as coping with minor ailments by visiting your local pharmacy for advice and treatment.”

A ‘Walking Netball’ taster session hosted by the Manx Netball Association will take place on Tuesday 17 November in the Main Hall at the NSC between 10am and 12noon to highlight the benefits of exercise. This is free and is suitable for men and women of all levels of fitness. Reservations can be made by calling Rachel on 308893 or emailing: mnadevelopment@gmail.com.  

Self care information will be available at local pharmacies and GP practices, as well as at a chair-based exercise session in Port Erin on Friday 20 November between 12noon and 3:30pm which is open to all.

For further information on self care please contact Ann Corkill, Senior Nurse Self Care, on Tel: 811830 or email: ann.corkill@gov.im.