SELF-CARE is necessary and it's only under your control. 

It must be deliberate and self-initiated.

 

Self care is a fundamental pillar of health

Self care is the primative form of primary care

Self-management is critical

Self care is learned, purposeful and is continuous

 

In philosophy, self care refers to the care and cultivation 

of self in a  comprehensive sense, focusing in particular

on the soul and the knowledge of self.

 

 

There are a number of self-care requisites applicable to all humans across all ages necessary to fundamental human needs. 

Humans need to intake a sufficient amount of air, water and food. Care needs to be taken with the process of elimination and excrement. There must be a balance between rest and activity as well as between solitude and social activities. The prevention and avoidance of human hazards and the promotion within social groups are also requisites. Maturity requires the continuous practice of self care duties.

 

 

Health Maintenance

Self care includes all health decisions people (as individuals or consumers) make for themselves and their families to get and stay physically and mentally fit. Self care includes exercising to maintain physical fitness and good mental health, as well as 

eating well, practicing good hygiene and avoiding health hazards such as smoking and drinking to prevent ill health.

 

Self care is also taking care of minor ailments, long term conditions, or one’s own health after discharge from secondary and tertiary health care. For instances of neck pain, for example, self care is the recommended treatment.

 

Patients who are better informed and more educated to possess greater motivation for self care.

Experts and professionals support self care to encourage individuals to do enhanced self care.

 

A key aspect in self-care is the recognition and evaluation of symptoms.

 

Understanding and becoming mindful of your bodily functioning is essential.

 

Self-Care Support

• Self care information on health and human body systems, lifestyle and healthy eating.

• Support to capture, manage, interpret, and report observations of daily living (Food Journals).

• Providing personalized information & instructions to enable a person to take control of their health

• Self-care and self-monitoring devices and assistive technology (FitBit).

• Self care skills and life skills training programs and courses

• Being attuned to one's spirituality and aid from spiritual care givers

• Self care support networks of peers or people who want to provide support to others  

• Advice from Holistic Health Practitioners, Licensed Health Counselors, Health Coaches, Nutritionalists, Clinical Social Workers, Behavioral Counselors, Life Coaches, Ayurvedic Health Counselors and Practitioners, Herbologists, Physiotherapists and Complementary Therapists

 

Approaches

• Self care practices are shaped by what are seen as the proper lifestyle choices.

• Health-related self care topics include;

• General fitness training and physical exercise

• Healthy diet, meals, diet foods, fasting and cleansing

• Smoking cessation and avoiding alcohol abuse

• Personal hygiene

• Life extension

• Pain management

• Stress management

• Alternative medicine such as homeopathy, herbs and home remedies

• Self-help and personal development

• Self care portals and the use of health apps

 

A lack of self care in terms of personal health, hygiene and living conditions is referred to as self-neglect.

 

 

Phases in Self-Care

• The Interest Phase (Discovery)

• The Decision Making Phase (Recognizing the need of Self Care)

• The Investigative Phase (Researching)

• The Production Phase (Doing)

 

No matter what phase you may be in, I am happy to have a discussion with you.