Self Care: Your Guide

by Shadeia Younis – Independent Pharmacist of the Year

Look After Yourself

Stop the flu: make sure you get your vaccine to protect you and others. Stay hydrated: The chilly weather might dampen your thirst, but don’t let that fool you. Hydration is key to keeping your body functioning optimally. Sip on hot teas, broths, and water throughout the day.

Healthy diet: Fuel your body with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. These nutrient packed foods bolster your immune system, acting as a natural defence against winter woes.

Exercise: Don’t let the cold keep you indoors. Regular physical activity not only boosts your mood but also strengthens your immune system, helping you ward off seasonal illnesses.

Restful sleep: Adequate sleep is your body’s best friend, especially during winter. It’s during deep sleep that your body repairs and strengthens, enabling you to fend off infections effectively.

Moisturise: Cold weather can wreak havoc on your skin. Combat dryness by generously moisturizing. Your skin will thank you!

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Beat the winter blues, expose to natural light or light therapy, regular exercise, and a balanced diet.

Winner

It’s been a stellar year for Shadeia. Not only was she invited to the House of Commons to be named Independent Pharmacist of the Year, she also beat off stiff competition to win Pharmaceutical Entrepreneur of the Year at the British Asian Professional Awards. Her talent and contributions were further celebrated when she was nominated to join the EqualityX list of the top 50 Influential Muslims in Europe.

HELP US HELP YOU!

Ambulance services, hospitals, walk-in centres and urgent treatment centres can get especially busy over winter. By choosing the right health service, you will help to relieve pressure whilst also being better placed to look after yourself and others. If you live in Cheshire or Merseyside find out more at: merseycare.nhs.uk/help-us-help-you

For mental health support go to: merseycare.nhs.uk/urgent-help

Where To Go

For more serious conditions, when you use the right NHS service, you get the right treatment sooner. The first step is knowing the best service for your symptoms. Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 and get to know where to go this winter.

WHAT’S AN URGENT TREATMENT CENTRE?

Urgent treatment centres treat non emergencies, offer diagnostics (such as tests and x-rays), and prescribe medication for some conditions. They will also be able to refer patients to other urgent care services within the community and hospitals.

WHAT’S A WALK-IN CENTRE?

Walk-in centres offer consultations for minor injuries or illnesses: such as rashes, burns, scalds, eye, muscle and joint injuries. They treat all ages.

HOW LONG WILL I WAIT?

We aim to see and prioritise you within 30 minutes and assess within two hours (longer during busy periods).

WHO WILL TREAT ME?

You’ll see the right clinician: GP, nurse or paramedic, based on your needs. Doctors are available, although not on site at all times.

WHEN SHOULD I GO TO A&E?

A&E or 999 is for life threatening situations and emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, a sudden confused state, chest pain, breathing difficulties, fits that are not stopping and severe bleeding.

For any medical or mental health emergencies, you should call 999 or visit A&E.