Welcome to October: Simple Ways to Take Care of Your Health
October is here, bringing another opportunity to pause, reflect and take better care of yourself and your family.
Taking care of your health does not always require major changes. Simple habits, regular attention to your health and knowing when to seek professional care can make a meaningful difference.
As we welcome October at St. Christopher Hospital Annune, here are a few simple ways to make your health a priority this month.
Start October With Your Health in Mind
It is easy to become busy with work, school, family and other responsibilities. Sometimes, health only gets attention when something goes wrong.
But healthcare is not only about treating illness. Primary healthcare also includes health promotion, disease prevention, treatment and ongoing care. WHO describes primary healthcare as an approach that helps people address their health needs throughout their lives and as close as possible to their communities.
This means taking care of your health should be part of everyday life.
5 Simple Ways to Take Care of Your Health This October
- Pay Attention to How You Feel
Do not ignore changes in your health simply because they seem small.
If you notice symptoms that are persistent, unusual or getting worse, consider speaking with a qualified healthcare professional.
Avoid relying on guesses or advice from friends and social media to determine what a symptom means. A healthcare professional can assess your situation and advise you appropriately.
- Build Healthier Everyday Habits
Your daily choices can play an important role in your overall wellbeing.
Where possible:
Eat a varied and balanced diet.
Stay physically active.
Get enough sleep.
Avoid tobacco.
Limit or avoid alcohol.
Make time for rest and social connection.
Follow professional advice if you are managing a health condition.
WHO identifies healthy eating, physical activity, avoiding tobacco, avoiding alcohol and getting enough sleep among actions that can support health and wellbeing.
You do not have to change everything at once. Start with one practical habit and build from there.
- Do Not Wait Until You Are Seriously Ill
A common mistake is to think that you only need healthcare when you are sick.
Preventive healthcare encourages people to pay attention to their health before a problem becomes an emergency. Disease prevention and early detection are important parts of public health and primary healthcare.
Depending on your age, health history and individual needs, a healthcare professional may recommend routine checks, screening, vaccinations or follow-up care.
If you have not reviewed your health for some time, October can be a good reminder to speak with a healthcare professional.
- Take Your Medicines Properly
If you have been prescribed medication, use it according to the instructions given by your healthcare professional.
Do not stop, change or share prescribed medicines without appropriate medical advice.
If you are unsure about a medicine, its instructions or possible concerns, ask a qualified healthcare professional or pharmacist.
- Make Your Family’s Health a Priority
Health is also a family responsibility.
Parents and caregivers can help by paying attention to children’s health, keeping up with recommended care and seeking medical advice when a child is unwell.
Older family members may also need regular attention, particularly if they live with a long-term health condition or require ongoing treatment.
Encouraging healthy habits at home can benefit the whole family.
Know When to Seek Medical Help
Not every health concern requires an emergency visit, but some symptoms should not be ignored.
Seek appropriate medical attention if you experience symptoms that are severe, persistent, rapidly worsening or causing significant concern.
If you are already receiving treatment for a health condition, follow your healthcare professional’s advice about appointments and monitoring.
When in doubt about a health problem, getting professional advice is safer than trying to diagnose yourself.
Your Health Is Part of Your October Plans
October may bring new plans, responsibilities and opportunities. As you make those plans, remember to include your health.
A healthier lifestyle is not about being perfect. It is about making practical choices, paying attention to your body, preventing avoidable health problems and seeking appropriate care when you need it.
WHO’s approach to primary healthcare places people and communities at the centre of health and encourages individuals and families to take an active role in their wellbeing.
Welcome to October from St. Christopher Hospital Annune
As we welcome a new month, St. Christopher Hospital Annune wishes patients, families and communities in Annune, Tarka LGA, and surrounding areas a healthy and peaceful October.
Make this month a reminder to take your health seriously.
If you have a health concern, need medical advice or believe you require professional care, speak with a qualified healthcare professional or visit an appropriate healthcare facility.
Welcome to October. Take care of yourself. Take care of your family. Take your health seriously.
Start with practical habits such as eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, getting enough sleep, avoiding tobacco, limiting or avoiding alcohol and seeking healthcare when necessary.
Preventive healthcare focuses on promoting health, reducing health risks and identifying health problems early. Prevention and early detection are important parts of primary healthcare.
You do not need to be seriously ill before seeking healthcare. Depending on your age, health history and individual risk factors, a healthcare professional may recommend routine care or screening.
Consider seeking professional advice when you have persistent, unusual or worsening symptoms, concerns about your health, or a condition that requires ongoing monitoring.
Encourage healthy habits at home, pay attention to changes in family members’ health, keep up with recommended healthcare and seek professional advice when someone becomes unwell.