Let’s start a healthy conversation about looking after ourselves and each other

We all know prevention is better than cure, and it is common sense for us to focus together on making this responsibility part of everyday life for Lincolnshire.  Prevention, or knowing how to live a healthier life by changing habits and lifestyle choices is the first step. 

The second step is looking after ourselves and each other when something does go wrong and it is safe to do so.  This is often referred to as self-care.

Many people in Lincolnshire have a long term condition such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease which will affect them for the rest of their lives.  These conditions can affect children and young people as much as the elderly. 

There is much that the NHS can do to help people manage their conditions safely and proactively. This may include better information and advice, training and guidance, use of web resources, self-monitoring and digital support to encourage people to self-care, or free flu jabs for those with respiratory conditions. In addition, the NHS can help people understand what minor ailments you can safely treat yourself, and how to keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet or first aid kit at home to treat any minor illnesses and injuries.

We have all heard stories about people visiting A&E with a paper cut, or a headache. In Lincolnshire, one third of people who visit A&E each year leave with no need for medication or professional care. This is not the best way to use our NHS, but it can be confusing to know where the right place is to go.

We want to work with you to understand how we can help you to look after yourself. Doing this will best manage the growing demand on our NHS services. Many of us are doing this every day; we want to know what you find most helpful so that we can share those self-care tips and routes to support with others.

We’ve already got a number of services in place to help with this, for example;

• There is lots of information available on the NHS website to help people look after themselves when suffering from more minor conditions
• The Self Care Forum also offers a wealth of further help and advice on self-care
• ASAPLincs -  https://www.asaplincs.nhs.uk/ helps you to identify your symptoms, get self-care advice and find relevant services

We want to talk with you about how the NHS can help you live a healthier life.