Self-Care Forum

Our #FridayFactSheet is #menopause. It’s a major life transition, and good #selfcare can make a real difference. Small habits, better sleep, and trusted info help people feel more in control. Let’s keep normalising the conversation. Visit our website for more information. @helendon-rn.bsky.social

It's #WalkingMonth and a 10m walk after a meal, or within an hour of eating can help balance out blood sugar levels, help with bloating and heart health, weight management, mood and more. 10m is not much for a bunch of health benefits for long-term health. Is it? #mindbody @helendon-rn.bsky.social

It's #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek and we are highlighting the importance of being #connected. Advice is to meet up with friends and family, join a group or simply call a friend. #MindBody. For more visit the Mental Health Foundation website bit.ly/4jTLqHd @ypmh.bsky.social @mind.org.uk

It's #FridayFactSheet and #WalkingMonth so what better fact sheet to spotlight today than our #MovingMore fs. Keeping active, through walking, running, cycling or any movement you enjoy, has benefits for our physical and mental health. Head to our website for more info.

May is @livingstreets.bsky.social's #NationalWalkingMonth. This year, it's encouraging us to #WalkOut for at least 20 minutes each day during May. You will reap the benefits. Visit their website for more. @jasonwarriner.bsky.social @nursekelsey.bsky.social @nurseeverafter.bsky.social

April is #StressAwarenessMonth and it's also #FridayFactSheet. Today's resource is our #menopause. Menopause and stress often feed into each other - small coping habits can help break the cycle. bit.ly/2tiBs9K @menopausesociety.bsky.social @menopausefoundationcanada.ca @adewilliams.bsky.social

It's #StressAwarenessMonth and our #FridayFactSheet is #MovingMore. Exercise and movement is one of the most effective ways to keep #stess at bay, lowering the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline and boosting endorphins, the feel good hormones. See our website for more. @helendon-rn.bsky.social

April is #StressAwarenessMonth, and stress at work is a growing issue. @hsegovuk.bsky.social's data shows 22.1 m working days were lost in 2024/25 due to work‑related #stress, #depression or #anxiety. Work shouldn’t make us unwell. Tips for employers and employees are on @mind.org.uk's website.

We are currently accepting applications for our 2026 #SelfCareAwards. If you or your organisation helps to empower individuals or communities please consider applying. See our website for more. @adewilliams.bsky.social @pifonline.bsky.social @helendon-rn.bsky.social @healthwatchengland.bsky.social

Today is #WorldHealthDay and it’s also #StressAwarenessMonth - a good time to recognise how important #sleep is for helping us cope with daily stressors and supporting mind and body to recover. @nurseeverafter.bsky.social @helendon-rn.bsky.social @adewilliams.bsky.social @copescotland.bsky.social

#NutritionAndHydrationWeek highlights the impact of nutrition and hydration on our health. As well as physical health, our mental wellbeing is also affected by how we fuel ourselves. Visit BDA for more information. @shelleymoseley.bsky.social @helendon-rn.bsky.social

It's #nutritionandhydrationweek. Fluid is essential to life but are you getting enough? Waiting until thirsty before drinking means your body is already feeling the affects of dehydration. More from British Dietitians Association here bit.ly/4hBLuJO @niadla.bsky.social @adewilliams.bsky.social

If you smoke, #quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health, and your family's health. Get advice from your pharmacy on how to kick the habit. bit.ly/4cmqQvF #NoSmokingDay @nurseeverafter.bsky.social @pcpa-uk.bsky.social @helendon-rn.bsky.social @adewilliams.bsky.social

It's #heartmonth and if you smoke then you are more at risk of heart disease and hypertension, #quitting is one of the best things you can do for your #hearthealth. For help to quit speak to your pharmacy team. More info here bit.ly/3Y73jXa @thebhf.bsky.social @surreyheartlands.bsky.social

Yesterday was #WorldCancerDay and @who.int analysis estimates 4 in 10 cancers could be prevented. Whilst lifestyle choices have no guarantees, we can cut our risk by stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, eating well, exercise, UV protection and screening. See our fact sheets. @adewilliams.bsky.social

It's #HIW26. Reminding us of the importance of trustworthy health information. #winterhealth is the theme and here’s our #winterillness fact sheet which includes how long symptoms usually last, supporting #healthliteracy and #selfcare. bit.ly/2tiBs9K @adewilliams.bsky.social @pifonline.bsky.social

It's #HIW26. Today’s theme: #mentalhealth. When information is trustworthy, people can recognise issues, make informed choices, find safe support and avoid misinformation. @mind.org.uk + @centreformh.bsky.social's Big Mental Health Report says #mentalwellbeing has been declining since 2016–17.

It’s #HIW26 - health information week and today’s theme is #WomensHealth. Women face delays in diagnosis for conditions like PCOS and endometriosis. Trusted information helps close that gap — and supports the families women care for every day. @healthwatchengland.bsky.social @pifonline.bsky.social

It's #HIW26 putting a much needed focus on the importance of trusted health information and health literacy. Supporting people to understand and act upon #healthinfo is crucial if we are to improve health outcomes. @pifonline.bsky.social @helendon-rn.bsky.social @rcnlibraries.bsky.social

It's #HIW2026 highlighting the importance of trusted health information. Results from our Living Self-Care Survey shows people need consistent, good, digestible health information throughout life to be confident to take care of their health. More here. bit.ly/4ihgtg8

It's National #SelfCareWeek and did you know that loneliness can affect our physical health and mental wellbeing. Advice from the Marmalade Trust is to add micro-connections to your day, shop locally, talk to neighbours and smile at passers-by. It all helps us feel connected. @profmaryh.bsky.social

It's #SelfCareWeek and we wanted to share our #menopause factsheet, produced with NHS England's Clinical Menopause Ref Group there are tips and advice for #MindBody. And we have an #Urdu version too bit.ly/2tiBs9K @pifonline.bsky.social @menopausesociety.bsky.social @menopausedietplan.bsky.social

Our POWER of #SelfCare factsheet is perfect for #SelfCareWeek. It has tips to help your #mindbody. It could be the nudge you need to take control of your health. bit.ly/3hzYu96 @bromleywell.bsky.social @socialprescription.bsky.social @copescotland.bsky.social @adewilliams.bsky.social

Along with SCARU @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social we ran one of the largest #selfcare studies. 3k+ people took part, the results showed a gap between what patients want & what professionals think. Read more: bit.ly/3G8FCuM @helensalisbury.bsky.social @helendon-rn.bsky.social @mrsbosanquet.bsky.social

It's #SelfCareWeek and the theme is #MindBody. Recent surveys show stress is becoming more widespread in the UK. It's useful to recognise the signs of #stress in ourselves & others. For help visit @rethinkcharity.bsky.social @helendon-rn.bsky.social @helenebedford.bsky.social

It's #SelfCareWeek and our "boosting your mood" #selfcareaware #factsheet is perfect for this time of year when many of us experience low mood due to the dark miserable weather. Doing small things to boost your mood helps! bit.ly/2tiBs9K @familydoctoruk.bsky.social @adewilliams.bsky.social

It's #InternationalMensDay and #SelfCareWeek. 1 in 5 men dies before 65. Men are more likely to smoke, drink too much and eat unhealthy foods. @menshealthforum.org.uk data shows why we must do more to better support men and boys' health. @mentalhealtheurope.bsky.social @larsmuenter.bsky.social

It's #SelfCareWeek and our winter factsheets are ideal for this time of year to share with your service-users and great to promote #selfcare behaviour during #selfcareweek. More info here bit.ly/2tiBs9K @copescotland.bsky.social @healthwatchengland.bsky.social @soniaadesara.bsky.social

Celebrate pharmacies as part of #SelfCareWeek. Pharmacies are at the forefront of health advice, medicine management, vaccines and more – cementing the vital role they have in communities & in supporting #SelfCare. @pcpa-uk.bsky.social @adewilliams.bsky.social @pharmrj.pharmsky.app @pharmacistdaz.uk

It's the start of #SelfCareWeek but what is #selfcare? We practise it everyday, from brushing our teeth, to eating healthily, and exercising. It's what we do for our #MindBody every day. bit.ly/3HlxbJd @adewilliams.bsky.social @clivenicholson1.bsky.social @bromleywell.bsky.social

Congratulations to the outstanding shortlisted entries of our #SelfCare Awards — empowering people in every area of health, from healthy ageing and workplace wellbeing to postnatal care and recovery. bit.ly/3JuQJzZ @copescotland.bsky.social @drjomaher.bsky.social @helendon-rn.bsky.social

We are proud to announce the winner and highly commended entries from the #SelfCareAwards with their spectacular #selfcare initiatives supporting people's #mindbody. bit.ly/3JUAtbx @openuniversity.bsky.social @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social @helendon-rn.bsky.social @jitkavseteckova.bsky.social

#FridayFactSheet is #folicacid in pregnancy. Did you know it's actually a B vitamin? It's recommended that everyone planning a pregnancy, or in the early stages takes a daily 400 microgram supplement to help support healthy development. See our fact sheet. bit.ly/2tiBs9K @qniscotland.bsky.social

It's #Stoptober - a great time to focus on #quitting smoking, whether cigarettes or vapes visit your pharmacy for advice. It's also worth understanding the sneaky "tricks" of the tobacco industry to get people hooked, according to @who.int @helendon-rn.bsky.social @adewilliams.bsky.social

Just 3 weeks to #SelfCareWeek but there are still ways to get involved & promote the benefits of #selfcare. Displays, social media, conversations & our chat on Linkedin on 17 Nov at 12pm. bit.ly/2UM6V0m @pcpa-uk.bsky.social @cent1pcn.bsky.social @nrsprimarycare.bsky.social @copescotland.bsky.social

It’s #FridayFactSheet time! Today it's about #UrinaryIncontinence in adults, many feel too shy to discuss the condition, but it’s more common than you think. It's important to seek help early and not believe it's an inevitable part of ageing! bit.ly/2tiBs9K @bladderboweluk.bsky.social

Heart UK says 1 in 2 UK adults have raised cholesterol levels, a key risk factor for heart disease. #NationalCholesterolMonth highlights small lifestyle changes that can make a difference. Here is its guide. bit.ly/3BQ6ywW @theqicn.bsky.social @cent1pcn.bsky.social @shelleymoseley.bsky.social

October is #HealthLiteracyMonth. Without health literacy #selfcare will fail and so too will health outcomes. Our LSCS survey with @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social'SCARU shows only 51% of people were able to evaluate treatment options given to them. Visit our website for more. @pifonline.bsky.social

It's #FridayFactSheet time and as we are quickly approaching winter it's a good time to remind ourselves of the normal duration of winter illnesses like #sorethroats, #coughs, #flu and #COVID19. Free to download. bit.ly/2tiBs9K @helendon-rn.bsky.social @coalition4pc.bsky.social @theqicn.bsky.social

It's #Stoptober and #NationalCholesterolMonth! Quitting can quickly reduce your chances of #stroke and #heartattacks caused by high cholesterol levels. Visit your pharmacy for help to quit #smoking. @oha-updates.bsky.social @stopsmokingldn.bsky.social @pcpa-uk.bsky.social @helendon-rn.bsky.social

It’s #BackCareAwarenessWeek and #FridayFactSheet time! Back pain is more common than you think - affecting 8 in 10 of us at some point in our lives, so let’s care for our backs. bit.ly/2tiBs9K @thecsp.bsky.social @physiopoduk.bsky.social @shelleymoseley.bsky.social @helendon-rn.bsky.social

10 October is #WorldMentalHealthDay putting a much needed spotlight on the importance of protecting our #mentalhealth. See our "boosting" factsheet for tips. bit.ly/2tiBs9K @rethinkcharity.bsky.social @copescotland.bsky.social @thementalelf.bsky.social @namihowardcounty.bsky.social

October is #healthliteracymonth. Health literacy is the knowledge, skills, understanding & confidence to use health info. Poor health literacy directly impacts health outcomes. @pharmacistdaz.uk @pharmrj.pharmsky.app @helendon-rn.bsky.social @helensalisbury.bsky.social @helenebedford.bsky.social

Our #FridayFactSheet is our #menopause resource. 75% of women experience menopause symptoms and for 1 in 4, symptoms are severe and can have a significant impact on daily life. More here bit.ly/2tiBs9K @healthwatchwkmb.bsky.social @menopausesociety.bsky.social @menopausedietplan.bsky.social

You're probably already planning for #SelfCareWeek (17-23 Nov) if not, there are still way to get involved. Go to our website for tips and resources. bit.ly/37tIQXP @pcpa-uk.bsky.social @giwpcn.bsky.social @nhscovwarksicb.bsky.social @nhsddicb.bsky.social @myfuturecare.bsky.social

29 September was #heartday and coronary heart disease - CHD - is the leading cause of death worldwide and yet it is largely preventable. Here are some more worrying statistics about #CHD from @thebhf.bsky.social. @clivenicholson1.bsky.social @helendon-rn.bsky.social @helensalisbury.bsky.social

It's #WorldPharmacistsDay - which should probably be #WorldPharmacyTeamsDay! Our pharmacies are #invaluable health hubs on the high street serving communities with a range of advice and services. @adewilliams.bsky.social @pcpa-uk.bsky.social @pharmayci.bsky.social @helendon-rn.bsky.social

It's #MigraineAwarenessWeek and we have a fact sheet for #headache + #migraine with info on common triggers, treatment advice and general wellbeing tips that can help. See our fact sheet or visit @themigrainetrust.bsky.social for more. bit.ly/2tiBs9K @helendon-rn.bsky.social @adewilliams.bsky.social

It's #EyeHealthWeek and a good reminder of what we should be doing to maintain our eye health as we age. Advice is to have annual eye check-ups, to monitor vision and eye health. For more info go to the Vision Matters website bit.ly/3tTxGTz @adewilliams.bsky.social @collegeoptomuk.bsky.social

It's #eczemaawarenessweek so our #FridayFactSheet is our #eczema resource. Eczema can start in childhood, it can come and go. 60% of children are clear of it by aged 11. Although some people have it for life. More info here bit.ly/2tiBs9K @eczemasupport.bsky.social @helendon-rn.bsky.social

Our #FridayFactSheet this week is "venous disease - looking after your legs". Venous disease is vein damage and there's an increased risk of getting this if you're pregnant, overweight, if you smoke or stand or sit for long periods. More here bit.ly/2tiBs9K @rcnpublichealth.bsky.social

It's #KnowYourNumbers week. High blood pressure is also called the silent killer because it rarely has symptoms. Find out if you have it by getting it checked, many pharmacies offer this service. Or make an appt with your nurse. @helendon-rn.bsky.social @thebhf.bsky.social @adewilliams.bsky.social

This is your 10 week reminder to plan for #SelfCareWeek to help widen its reach and ensure more people understand how to take better care of their #Mind&Body. bit.ly/2UM6V0m @pifonline.bsky.social @copescotland.bsky.social @helendon-rn.bsky.social @cent1pcn.bsky.social @readingagency.bsky.social

August was #WellnessMonth, but why not keep it going all year round - laugh often, learn new things, set boundaries, move your body, manage money, respect the planet, and find purpose. More wellness info here: bit.ly/4lZPTZI @cent1pcn.bsky.social @exerciseworks.bsky.social @copescotland.bsky.social

Our #FridayFactSheet is #menopause! Produced with the NHS Menopause Clinical Reference Group, it helps women understand their symptoms, explores #selfcare tips & more. bit.ly/2tiBs9K @pausitivehealth.bsky.social @drlouisenewson.bsky.social @menopausesociety.bsky.social @menopausefoundationcanada.ca

This is your 12 week reminder to plan for #SelfCareWeek. Whether you want to join with others or go it alone there's lots you can do to raise awareness about the benefits of #selfcare. More info bit.ly/3UrGtbZ @healthwatchyork.bsky.social @thelittlenurse.bsky.social @lancshosplib.bsky.social

It's #FridayFactSheet time and here the spotlight is on #heartburn and #indegestion - also known as #dyspepsia, a burning pain or discomfort in the chest or upper abdomen. More info here bit.ly/2tiBs9K @adewilliams.bsky.social @helendon-rn.bsky.social @drjomaher.bsky.social @rcndcnforum.bsky.social

August is #NationalWellnessMonth and wellness begins with sleep. Good quality sleep is essential for our brain performance, mood and our general health. The #WorldSleepDay website has tips on the importance of #SleepHealth. @helendon-rn.bsky.social @adewilliams.bsky.social @copescotland.bsky.social

August is #NationalWellnessMonth and by practising #selfcare we can achieve overall #wellness. Here are some ways to help our physical and mental wellbeing and wellness. See our self-care factsheets for more. bit.ly/2tiBs9K @helendon-rn.bsky.social @nhsnotts.bsky.social @adewilliams.bsky.social

Our #FridayFactSheet is #sinusitis - caused by irritants such as allergies or infections, acute sinusitis usually lasts 2-3 weeks but some people can have it longer than 12 weeks (chronic sinusitis). More info here bit.ly/2tiBs9K @adewilliams.bsky.social @pcpa-uk.bsky.social

August is #NationalWellnessMonth - a time to focus on health, wellbeing and overall #wellness. Keeping active is a crucial part of wellness by reducing feelings of anxiety and depression. More info here bit.ly/47CMPeO @exerciseworks.bsky.social @wisean.bsky.social @jasonwarriner.bsky.social

It’s #WellnessMonth! World affairs can be very affecting right now, and if you're feeling overwhelmed, our Boosting Fact Sheet has advice to help. Looking after your general health is more important than ever. More info here: bit.ly/2tiBs9K @helendon-rn.bsky.social @jasonwarriner.bsky.social

We'll be sharing details of our #factsheets each Friday with our #FridayFactSheets item. Our "fever in children" resource explains that a #fever is a normal, healthy and harmless part of #childhood. More info here bit.ly/2tiBs9K @miteccl.bsky.social @firogers3.bsky.social @carecityuk.bsky.social

Wellness is an integration of physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing and this #WellnessMonth download our #Power fact sheet to focus on your health and wellbeing. More info here bit.ly/2tiBs9K @copescotland.bsky.social @drjomaher.bsky.social @jasonwarriner.bsky.social @adewilliams.bsky.social

Wellness is holistic. It’s laughing with friends, learning something new, setting boundaries, managing finances, moving your body, respecting the planet, & finding purpose. How will you take care of you this #WellnessMonth bit.ly/4lZPTZI @helendon-rn.bsky.social @niadla.bsky.social @surreycc.gov.uk

#GoBig this year with #selfcareweek - start planning with tips from our #8PPlan. bit.ly/2UM6V0m @pcpa-uk.bsky.social @copescotland.bsky.social @pifonline.bsky.social @cent1pcn.bsky.social @norfolkadvice.bsky.social @nottmhospitals.bsky.social @hscwru.bsky.social @theqicn.bsky.social

It's #InternationalSelfCareDay and we've been trailing the 2025 theme - #PhysicalActivity. The benefits of exercise are widely known, but 36% of people don't achieve the recommended 150 mins each week. The Mental Health Foundation asked people why. More here bit.ly/4o5GaTf @rhianlast.bsky.social

24 July is #InternationalSelfCareDay and a reminder for us to practise #selfcare every day, 24/7. The 2025 theme is #physicalactivity. We know the benefits of #movement and the NHS recommends we do 150mins of moderate paced exercise each week. @exerciseworks.bsky.social @rhianlast.bsky.social

24 July is #InternationalSelfCareDay helping us understand why it's good to practise #selfcare 24/7 - all day every day to ensure a healthier and happier life! #PhysicalActivity is the 2025 theme, so let's move that body! @greenerpractice.bsky.social @exerciseworks.bsky.social @gmmoving.co.uk

Next week - 24/7 is #InternationalSelfCareDay encouraging us to practise #selfcare every day - 24/7. Led by International Self-Care Foundation - this year's theme is #physicalactivity @gmmoving.co.uk @exerciseworks.bsky.social @haringeycyclists.bsky.social @rhianlast.bsky.social

It's #AlcoholAwarenessWeek and @alcoholchangeuk.bsky.social is reminding us that NHS advice is to drink no more than 14 units a week spread out across 3 or more days. That's 6 pints of beer or 6 medium glasses of wine. More info here bit.ly/4nY3cLZ @rhianlast.bsky.social @helendon-rn.bsky.social

31 Jul is the deadline for #selfcare award entries. Apply if you help support people's #selfcare practise and make a difference to the health and wellbeing of individuals, groups, or organisations. bit.ly/4hJyRfB @clivenicholson1.bsky.social @bmacymru.bsky.social @ippr.org @qniscotland.bsky.social

It's #WorldWellbeingWeek and our #POWER #factsheet has advice on many aspects of wellbeing like #exercise #mentalhealth #eating #connection. Free to download here. bit.ly/2tiBs9K @weallscotland.bsky.social @lgawellbeing.bsky.social @exerciseworks.bsky.social @rhianlast.bsky.social

It's #WorldWellbeingWeek. #Wellbeing is crucial to our lives & livelihood. There are many aspects including physical, emotional, social, spiritual & financial. This blog by Wellbeing People explains more. bit.ly/3r5JVPL @rhianlast.bsky.social @sprescribing.bsky.social @writeforwellbeing.bsky.social

It might seem too early to plan November's #selfcareweek. But organising activities that will make the biggest impact will need planning. Ideas and tips here. bit.ly/2UM6V0m @copescotland.bsky.social @pcpa-uk.bsky.social @greenerpractice.bsky.social @adewilliams.bsky.social @rhianlast.bsky.social

This week is #WorldContinenceWeek — an important time to raise awareness and encourage open conversations about bladder and bowel health. We have a factsheet with symptom advice and other helpful info here: bit.ly/2tiBs9K @rhianlast.bsky.social @bladderboweluk.bsky.social @helendon-rn.bsky.social

Have you applied for our #selfcare awards yet? If you support people's #selfcare practise consider it. A £1500 prize pot is available to share with winners. Apply by 31 July. bit.ly/4hJyRfB @rhianlast.bsky.social @qniscotland.bsky.social @nationalvoices.bsky.social @helendon-rn.bsky.social

It's #LonelinessAwarenessWeek and the Marmalade Trust has advice on adding micro-connections to your day, small interactions like smiling at a passer-by help to make us feel less alone. Create some social warmth today. @digitalnursecymru.bsky.social @theqicn.bsky.social @copescotland.bsky.social

It's #LegHealthWeek- a campaign by Legs Matter to put a spotlight on leg health and issues such as #VenousDisease. Symptoms include aching legs, spider veins, swollen ankles and a feeling of heavy legs. See our factsheet for advice: bit.ly/2tiBs9K @adewilliams.bsky.social @rhianlast.bsky.social

It's #LonelinessAwarenessWeek and the Marmalade Trust is inviting us to have open conversations about our feelings of loneliness - often people feel embarrassed but talking about how we feel can help us realise it's normal. @adewilliams.bsky.social @rhianlast.bsky.social @helendon-rn.bsky.social

It’s #MensHealthWeek. 1 in 5 men dies before 65. Men are more likely to smoke, drink too much and eat unhealthy foods. @menshealthforum.org.uk data clearly highlights why we must do more to better support men and boys in their health.@gamh.org @menshealth2025.bsky.social @menshealthfound.bsky.social

It's #WorldEnvironmentDay and #PlasticPollution is the theme. Caring for the planet is caring for ourselves. The @greenpeaceuk.bsky.social website has info to reduce plastic use. bit.ly/3SAbKKv @rhianlast.bsky.social @helendon-rn.bsky.social @clivenicholson1.bsky.social @jasonwarriner.bsky.social

Spring and summer is a time when we re-assess our health and wellbeing activities (or lack of them) and to help you with this here is our POWER of #selfcare factsheet to give you some ideas. bit.ly/2tiBs9K @exerciseworks.bsky.social @rhianlast.bsky.social @adewilliams.bsky.social

Have you begun planning for November's #SelfCareWeek? Why not join forces with local agencies to implement a week of daily activities. Tips and ideas here bit.ly/2UM6V0m @copescotland.bsky.social @theqicn.bsky.social @activetowns.bsky.social @rcnpublichealth.bsky.social @rhianlast.bsky.social

Did you know 3 in 10 pre-school children will have at least 1 fever each year? Mild feverish illness is a normal part of childhood but it's good to know symptoms that will need medical attention. See our factsheet for more bit.ly/2tiBs9K @paediatrice.bsky.social @rhianlast.bsky.social