Small steps can make a big difference this winter, says Health Minister
- Love Ballymena
- 7 minutes ago
- 3 min read
As winter approaches, the Department of Health is urging the public to take simple, proactive steps to maintain their physical and mental wellbeing amid rising seasonal pressures on health and social care services.
Speaking during National Self-Care Week, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt highlighted the importance of self-care and community support as temperatures fall and common winter illnesses begin to circulate.
“Each of us can play our part in managing our own health and wellbeing this winter. Our health and social care services face even more pressure at this time of year, so any steps that we can take, no matter how small, can make a big difference in helping to protect ourselves against the effects of infections and seasonal viruses,” Minister Nesbitt said.
He emphasised that looking after mental health is particularly important during the festive season — a time that can be “a difficult, sometimes lonely period for a lot of people, particularly for the older members of our community”.
“I would encourage people to check in on friends and older neighbours and offer any help and support you can,” he added.
The Minister also encouraged the public to make use of Community Pharmacies, describing them as “a great source of information, particularly for minor illnesses and ailments, through the Pharmacy First service”.
He noted: “Speak to your local pharmacist if you need advice around colds, flu and sore throats. You do not need an appointment for this. Look after yourself and others this winter.”
Vaccination and Healthy Choices Key to Winter Wellbeing
Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride reinforced the message, stressing the importance of empowering people with the right tools and information to look after their own health.
“Providing people with all the necessary resources to enable them to take care of their own physical and mental health is crucial. Not only does it equip us to make better, healthier choices for our overall wellbeing, but it can also help ease the burden on our health and social care services,” he said.
He also emphasised the role of winter vaccinations:
“Vaccinations also play an important part in keeping people safe and well over the festive period and I would encourage anyone eligible to get vaccinated against Covid-19 and the flu.”
Encouraging people to take both “small steps” and “longer steps”, Professor McBride added:
“Please consider using services to help you stop smoking, reduce your alcohol intake and increase your physical activity.”
Support and Resources Available
The Pharmacy First service offers confidential consultations for common seasonal conditions, with pharmacists able to assess symptoms and provide treatment where appropriate.
A wide range of official online resources is also available to support people in staying well throughout winter, including guidance on:
Keeping warm
Eating well
Mental health
Stopping smoking
Managing common winter illnesses
Vaccinations
Healthy living and physical activity
Further information can be accessed via NI Direct, the Health and Social Care (HSC) website, and the Public Health Agency.
Useful Links
About Self-Care Week
Self-Care Week is an annual UK-wide awareness campaign run by the Self Care Forum, aimed at embedding practical support for self-care and boosting public understanding of how to manage common health issues independently.
More information is available from the Self Care Forum.