The local NHS is urging people to practice self care by exercising more often and eating healthier food to keep fit and well.

Dr Ed Capo Bianco, Urgent Care Lead at Oxfordshire CCG, said: “Self care is a great way to boost your immunity to colds, flu and infections by making small changes in your life such as walking every day, eating healthier food like fruit and vegetables and drinking less alcohol.

“Self care for people with a long term condition such as diabetes or hypertension is about managing their medication if they are unwell. For a patient with asthma this could mean using their inhaler more often while for those with hypertension and a gastroenteritis bug (vomiting & diarrhoea), they might need to reduce their medication if feeling light headed or faint.”

Ed added: “Self care is underpinned by about having a well-stocked medicine cabinet ready for the onset of winter to allow people to treat a range of minor ailments and illnesses at home which can take the pressure of the local NHS. A local pharmacist can advise people on the best additions to a medicine cabinet.”

Some useful additions to your home medicine cabinet could include:

• Paracetamol and aspirin, and equivalent syrups (such as Calpol) for children
• Mild laxatives to relieve constipation
• Rehydration mixtures for diarrhoea or vomiting
• Indigestion remedies
• Tweezers and sharp scissors to remove splinters or cut bandages
• A thermometer to check for fever
• A range of bandages, plasters, non-absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and dressings for minor cuts, sprains and bruises

For further information about self care including healthy lifestyle information, a health A-Z of conditions and treatments, or to find your nearest pharmacy for over-the-counter medicines, visit www.nhs.uk

Watch a video on choosing the right healthcare service this winter

You can find out some of the best ways to keep yourself well this winter – including keeping up-to-date with vaccinations - and advice on choosing the right healthcare service for your needs in this video featuring Andrea, a consultant nurse at the John Radcliffe Hospital. Taking care of yourself is one of the best ways you can support NHS staff, and our patients who really need our help.