Health leaders support self care week

Derbyshire health leaders want people to become more health conscious and choose healthy options to boost their physical health, mental wellbeing and self-esteem.

The Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is calling on people to get active during Self Care Week 2013 as a great way of beating the winter blues.

There is lots of evidence that 30 minutes’ vigorous exercise three times a week is effective against depression while lighter exercise will have a beneficial effect too.

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Dr Steve Lloyd, chair of NHS Hardwick CCG, said: “Our hope is to inspire people to become more knowledgeable about their own health and take measures to stay well; for people to take control of their health and ultimately take control of their life.

“As part of our strategy on healthy living and patient empowerment, we are supporting Self Care Week 2013.

“Self Care for Life means eating properly, taking regular exercise and looking after symptoms of common everyday illness.

“It is also about taking control and recognising when to self care and when to seek advice, and to know where that advice should come from.

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“And for those with a long-term condition, we are providing support for people to understand that condition and how to live with it daily.

“We want people to Self Care for a good life and Take Control.”

For people with a tendency towards Seasonal Affective Disorder, outdoor exercise will have a double benefit because it offers greater exposure to daylight.

Activity is believed to change the level of the mood-regulating chemical, serotonin, in the brain. It can also help by providing a pleasant change of scene and helping you meet new people.