Get Active this National Self Care Week

Health and care organisations across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are urging local residents to become more active as National Self Care Week gets underway from Monday, 14 November. 

Self Care Week (14-20 November 2022) is a UK-wide annual awareness week that focuses on embedding support for self care across communities, families and generations. This year’s theme is ‘Exercise Self Care for Life’, and the key message is for people to get active.

Dr Sarah Whiteman, Chief Medical Director, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership, said: “Most of us are more sedentary than is good for us, with the average person sitting for nine hours a day. Our bodies are designed to be active.  Indeed, physical inactivity is linked to over 20 chronic health conditions.  And whilst life expectancy has been increasing over many years, our lack of activity often means that this longer life is not matched by the number of healthy years we lead.

“We can all do something about this – the key to living longer and healthier lives is to get active. We’re not talking about spending money – join a gym if you want to, but just as much benefit comes from more walking, gardening, dancing or getting stuck into the housework.  Take the stairs, not the lift or get off at an earlier bus stop and walk to where you’re doing.  The list is endless, and often at no or little cost.”

Local people are also encouraged to exercise self care for life by ensuring they look after themselves and their families this winter. This includes getting your flu vaccine and Covid booster if you’re eligible and haven’t already.

You can find details on how to book your vaccinations here.

Knowing what to do and where to go for help when you’re unwell is also an important part of practising self care. Local people are reminded that it’s not just GP practices that can help – pharmacists are also health experts and can advise and signpost you too.

Numerous events and activities are taking place across Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes this Self Care Week, offering people a great way to start their new active lifestyle. The activities range from social walks, a great opportunity to chat and exercise, to virtual exercise classes that you can do at the comfort of your own home.

People can learn more about the events taking place in their local area at https://blmkhealthandcarepartnership.org/your-health-and-care/self-care/