Health and wellbeing teams including Livewell Essex have got together to provide messages how residents can stay well this winter to highlight Self Care Week.

The campaign which runs until Sunday, November 24 is encouraging people to recognise early triggers and symptoms of illness and take action before getting worse.

Anurita Rohilla, chief pharmacist at West Essex CCG said: “By covering your nose and mouth when it’s cold, if you have COPD and Asthma, to getting your flu vaccine, to asking your pharmacist for advice at the first sign of a cold or upset stomach, you can prevent worsening of your long-term condition and avoid visits to the GP Practice.

“We are asking people to #BeAWinterHero and do things to help themselves and people in their community.

“Choose self-care for minor ailments and know where to get advice if you are worried about you or someone in your local community.”

The strapline for this year’s Self Care Week is ‘Think Self Care For Life’ is all about making improvements in your life to protect your physical health and mental wellbeing.

Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGS) are promoting all the ways you can self-care including:

• Keeping a medicine cabinet with essentials like, remedies for upset stomachs, rehydration powders, paracetamol and ibuprofen and cold and flu remedies to see you through any ailments.

• Getting your free flu jab if you are under 65 and living with a long term condition, over 65, a carer, have children under 10.

• Making your pharmacist the first port of call for minor ailments if you want advice or call 111.

• Eat well and live well, taking regular exercise and getting plenty of rest.

• Keeping an eye on more vulnerable members in the community and helping them get the right care if they seem cold or unwell or even just popping in for chat to prevent loneliness.

To find out how you can #BeAWinterHero visit: westessexccg.nhs.uk/news-and-publications/latest-news