Self Help and Wellbeing
You can do a great deal to look after your own health and wellbeing, prevent illness and manage many minor illnesses and common ailments yourself. Having access to the right information, keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet and knowing when to seek advice from a pharmacist can help you deal with many everyday health problems without needing to see a GP.
Below you’ll find information and advice to help you stay well, make healthy lifestyle choices and manage a range of common health concerns. We’ve included links to trusted sources of further information and practical advice, and a number of local services and charities that can help you manage your health.
You can also find a range of support groups and charities offering help in your community without needing a referral from your GP on our local services page.
Think Pharmacy First
Going to your local pharmacy offers an easy and convenient way to get clinical advice on minor health concerns, and now community pharmacies can offer treatment for seven common conditions without patients needing to see a GP.
Your Medicine Cabinet
All households should keep a reasonably stocked medical cabinet to deal with minor ailments. Remember all medicines should be stored in a box or cupboard with a lock and kept well out of the reach of children.
Minor Illness
Many common minor illnesses and injuries can be safely treated at home without the need to see a GP or other healthcare professional. See guidance on how to manage these minor ailments yourself and when to seek further help.
Chronic Diseases
Chronic disease management involves managing the symptons of a long term disease, thereby allowing patients to enjoy life more. We can help slow down the progression of your disease and help control your symptoms.
A-Z of Health
This NHS guide provides information about a wide range of health conditions. You can use it to find reliable information about common conditions, their symptoms, possible treatments and when to seek medical advice.
Quit smoking guide
This guide from the NHS will help you quit smoking, with practical advice, tools and support. It explains the benefits of quitting, ways to manage cravings and how to access free NHS support.
Drink less guide
This advice from the NHS will help you cut down on your alcohol intake, with practical advice on how to cut down, understanding the health benefits of drinking less, and managing common challenges.
Get active guide
Guidance from the NHS that will help you become more active and build exercise into your life. It provides tips, ideas for activities and advice on how much physical activity you should aim for.
Weight loss guide
This guide from the NHS will help you make simple, sustainable changes to lose weight, including advice on healthier eating, physical activity, portion sizes and setting realistic goals.
Eat well guide
The Eat Well guide from the NHS will help you understand how to eat a healthy, balanced diet, with practical advice on food choices, portion sizes, food labels and getting your 5 A Day.
BMI calculator
This NHS tool will help you calculate your body mass index (BMI) using your height and weight. It can give you an indication of whether you are underweight, a healthy weight, overweight or living with obesity.
Blood pressure guide
This NHS guide explains how blood pressure is measured, what the readings mean and what is healthy. It also provides information about high and low blood pressure, and how to monitor your pressure at home.