Stockport residents encouraged to think self-care for life

Stockport council and the local NHS call on borough residents to “Think self-care for life” in support of national Self-Care Week 2019.

Self-Care Week 2019 runs from 18^th to 24^th November and encourages people to make improvements in their lives to protect physical health and mental wellbeing now, and in the future.

Self-care refers to all the choices we make to keep well, both physically and mentally, such as eating healthy foods, having a flu vaccination, giving up smoking, being physically active and getting enough sleep.

Jennifer Connolly, Stockport Council’s Interim Director of Public Health said: 

“It’s never too early or too late to begin to make small, simple changes that will enhance and protect your health now and, in the future, and often, one small change will make a big difference to your wellbeing.

“For example, choosing to become more active will not only improve your physical health, it will also boost your mood, particularly if you choose to exercise outdoors in the fresh air.

“With largely avoidable conditions such as type2 diabetes, heart disease and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) on the increase in Stockport, I would urge everybody to understand what we can do ourselves to improve our health and help prevent these illnesses.

“This is why the Council is backing and raising awareness of Self-Care Week.”

Local GP and clinical Chair of NHS Stockport CCG, Dr Cath Briggs, added:

“If you’re living with a long-term condition, you’ll be aware that medication isn’t the only thing that helps. There is so much you can do to help yourself. Keeping as active as you can and eating a healthy diet are really important. And it goes without saying that, if you smoke, finding a way to quit is vital if you want to improve your health.

“There are plenty of free NHS six-week courses going on in Stockport for people with long term conditions. The Expert Patient courses will give you the skills to manage your symptoms better and feel more in control of your life.

“And don’t forget there are so many things going on in your own community that you can get involved with. There’s a whole range of activities – walking groups, gardening clubs, choirs, drama clubs, singing groups – all run by local people, just like yourself, who’ve decided to get out there and do something that will make them feel better and help them to connect with their neighbours and community.”

Self-Care Week is an annual initiative organised by the Self Care Forum to raise awareness about the benefits of self-care and what people can do to take care of their health. It is to promote and encourage more self-care across communities, families and generations.

The Healthy Stockport website features further information, advice and support to help you make lifestyle choices to stay fit and well.