July 24th is International Self-Care
Day
International Self-Care Day happens every July
24th (7/24) to remind everyone that the benefits of
self-care are experienced 7 days a week, 24 hours
a day. This year’s theme is “Feel Good, 7/24”.
Self-care includes all the things you do to stay
healthy, prevent illness, or cope with a condition.
How can you practice self-care?
Here are seven ways:
Build your health literacy - Health
literacy means using many different
skills to get, understand, communicate,
and use information to make informed
decisions about your health and
navigate the health care system.
Contact a UHN Patient Library to learn
more about how you can improve your
health literacy. Be aware of your physical and mental
condition by keeping track of your
health, such as knowing your weight,
cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and
when to go for screening tests.
Be physically active – Physical activity
and exercise can help improve and
maintain your health. A few ways you
can be physically active is by walking, cleaning the house, gardening, or
playing sports. Remember to talk to
your health care provider first to see
which types of physical activities are
safest for you.
Eat healthy by having a nutritious and
balanced diet. A registered dietitian can
help you choose foods that meet your
health needs.
Reduce your risks – This includes
activities such as quitting smoking,
limiting how much alcohol you drink,
and using sunscreen.
Practice good hygiene by washing
your hands often with soap and water,
sneezing into a tissue or your elbow,
and staying home if you are feeling sick.
Use products, services, diagnostic
tests, and medicines responsibly.
For example, if your doctor prescribes
a new medication, ask them what the
medicine is for, how to take them and
for how long, and if there are any side
effects to watch for.
(Adapted from the International Self-Care Foundation)
