Self-Care

Self-Care image

Home » Your Health and Care » Self-Care

Self-care refers to the actions we take to recognise, treat and manage our own health and wellbeing. Self-care is important and can sometimes be the best way to treat minor illnesses and injuries. A well-stocked medicine cabinet can help you treat yourself and your family for common ailments.

Ailments such as the common cold, chicken pox and indigestion for example, can often be eased or treated with over-the-counter medicines. Your Pharmacist can provide advice about treating minor health conditions and common ailments. If symptoms persist, or you are concerned,  you should contact your doctor’s surgery or visit NHS 111 online.

Further information

There is further useful information about self-care for Children and Young People on our BLMK Children and Young People Pathways page.

Download and watch a video explaining self-care for common ailments:

Long term conditions in winter

Self Care back pain

Self Care chicken pox

Self Care common cold

Self Care constipation

Self Care cough

Self Care ear infection

Self Care fever in children

Self Care headache

Self Care heartburn/indigestion 

Self Care sore throat 

Self Care sprains and strains

Self Care norovirus – visit the NHS website

For further information about self-care visit the NHS website.

You can also use the NHS App to check your symptoms.

Self-care and Exercise

View all news

Latest news and highlights

News

1 September 2025

Chairs for the East of England’s reorganised future integrated care boards confirmed

The geographies of the three clusters of ICBs in the East of England. NHS England in the East of England has today confirmed the appointments…

Case Study

27 August 2025

RoboPets raise a smile with local care home residents

Elstow Lodge Residential Home in Bedford currently has eight residents, most of whom have a learning disability, while others live with a physical disability or…

News

22 August 2025

Local residents invited to have their say on community and mental health…

People living in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes will get the chance to shape the future of community and mental health services in the area, as part of a major…

News

19 August 2025

Local NHS waiting lists fall again, despite small national increase

NHS waiting lists in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have fallen again, according to new figures issued by NHS England. Despite a small rise of just over 9,500 (0.1%) across…

News

14 August 2025

School and college leavers invited to check out NHS and care careers,…

With tens of thousands of young people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes set to receive their A Level, T Level, NVQ and GCSE results today and next week, school…

News

14 August 2025

Mums-to-be in the East of England can skip the GP to get…

Newly pregnant women across the East of England can now self-refer online to get their “all-important” first midwife appointments quicker, ensuring the best and most personalised care for their baby.…