RESIDENTS are being encouraged to take steps to improve their health and wellbeing during Self Care Week 2017.

The national campaign aims to raise awareness about the benefits of looking after yourself and the theme this year is ‘engaging and empowering people’.

This comes as the NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) urges people to choose the right NHS service if they are unwell or injured.

Choosing the right care, first time, means that you will receive the best treatment available and allows busy NHS services to provide treatment and care in the most appropriate setting.

Residents can often self-treat many minor illnesses and injuries at home by keeping a medicine cabinet and first aid kit well stocked with medicines such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.

Most simple ailments will begin to get better within a couple of days. Self care and stay well by keeping your medicine cabinet stocked up with these items.

Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals who can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses such as colds, flu, minor rashes and pain relief. They can also help answer any questions you may have about the medication you are taking.

Many pharmacies are open late into the evening and on bank holidays. They all have a consultation room so you can speak privately.

To find the nearest pharmacy near you, visit: www.nhs.uk/service-search

See your GP if you have an illness or injury that won’t go away

You should make an appointment to see your GP if you have an illness or injury that won’t go away. GPs can provide a range of treatments and can also refer you to other health services if you need specialist advice or treatment.