Self-care

It is each person’s responsibility, once they are an adult, to ensure they look after their health, and the health of their children.

Ways you can improve your health include:

• eating healthy and nutritious foods
• keeping physically active
• limiting your alcohol consumption
• quitting smoking
• looking after your mental health
• maintaining good dental health.

Many common, minor injuries and illness can be managed at home with bed-rest or over-the-counter medicine.

Illnesses commonly treated with self-care include:

• mild respiratory symptoms such as a fever, cough, fatigue and runny nose
• hangover
• headache
• muscle ache
• nose bleeds.

Injuries commonly treated with self-care include:

• grazes, scratches and cuts
• bites and stings
• sprains and strains (sporting injuries)
• bruises and bumps.

Note: If an illness or injury is chronic or lasts for more than a few days, seek GP advice.

Home first aid kits

First aid kits can be purchased for the home and are a good idea. These can be purchased from medical suppliers or from a number of retail stores.

However it is also easy to make up a kit yourself to treat most minor illnesses and injuries.

Your kit should include:

• band aids
• tweezers
• bandages
• adhesive tape
• disposable gloves
• scissors
• non-adhesive dressings
• first aid booklet
• paracetamol (age appropriate)
• antiseptic cream/wash.

Additional items may also include:

• thermal blanket
• resuscitation mask or face shield

Your first aid kit should be stored in a clean, dry place away from children.

Items should be replaced when used or expired.

Minor injuries such as sprains and muscle aches can also be managed at home using a home first aid kit and the RICE method:

• Rest
• Ice
• Compression (bandaid or bandage)
• Elevation

Read more about first aid for sprains and strains.