People are being urged to take care of themselves through some simple tips to staying healthy this winter - with going for a walk, learning a new instrument and simply packing the paracetamol on the list.

NHS Kernow and Cornwall Council’s Public Health Team are among the organisations supporting national Self-Care Week from November 12 to 18, which wants people to think about what they can do to look after themselves and their family as winter bugs including flu, colds and stomach bugs increase.

Self-care means a person looking after their own health and wellbeing and knowing how to take medicines correctly, treat minor illnesses and where to go for help when needed.

Dr Iain Chorlton, a family GP and NHS Kernow chairman, said: “Visiting your doctor to help with common winter ailments such as coughs, colds, upset tummies and sore throats is not the right place to go. You can treat many of these conditions with over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol and aspirin, getting rest and making sure you drink plenty of fluids.

"If you do chose to visit your doctor with these common ailments, you could put yourself at greater risk of infection – and make other vulnerable people ill – by spreading germs."

Instead pharmacists can offer free advice and provide treatments for a range of minor illnesses and ailments including coughs, sticky eyes, water infections, rashes and oral thrush, as well as arrange for an emergency supply of regular medication until a person can see their GP.

Plasters and paracetamol are not the only way a person can look after themselves and Self-Care Week also encourages people to think about what they can do around one or more of the five ways to wellbeing. These are:

• Connect – meet up with friends, neighbours or family.

• Be active – Go for a walk, play a game, ride a bike or maybe even dance, exercising makes you feel good.

• Take notice – Be curious, notice beautiful things or be aware of what’s around you, they’ll help you appreciate what matters.

• Keep learning – try something new, learn an instrument or language or cook something new, learning helps you be more confident.

• Give – volunteering, join a community group or even just say thank you, it can be very rewarding and helps build connections.

Ruth Goldstein, from Cornwall Council's Wellbeing and Public Health Team, said: “Doing something each day from the five ways of wellbeing is a really great way to look after our own health. For example, you might give your time as a volunteer, combating your own loneliness which can often lead to long-term health conditions, while helping someone else. Contact Volunteer Cornwall for details of how to help other people: www.volunteercornwall.org.uk.

“If you’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes there are walking groups available through social prescribing."