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What is Self-Care?
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Self-care is the practice of individuals looking after their own health using the knowledge and information available to them. It is a decision-making process that empowers individuals to look after their own health efficiently and conveniently, in collaboration with health and social care professionals as needed.
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WHO Definition
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WHO's working definition of self-care is:
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The Seven Pillars of Self-Care
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The International Self-Care Foundation has identified seven pillars that support the practice of self-care:
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129| - Health literacy — The ability to obtain, read, understand and use healthcare information to make appropriate health decisions.
130| - Self-awareness — Knowledge of one's own physical and mental condition, including the ability to recognise when health is deteriorating.
131| - Physical activity — Regular moderate physical activity for physical and mental wellbeing.
132| - Healthy eating — A balanced diet with appropriate nutrition.
133| - Risk avoidance or mitigation — Avoiding behaviours that increase health risks (e.g., smoking, excessive alcohol consumption).
134| - Good hygiene — Practices that prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
135| - Rational and responsible use of products, services, diagnostics and medicines — Using self-care products and services appropriately.
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Self-Care in Healthcare Systems
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Self-care plays an increasingly vital role in sustainable healthcare worldwide. By empowering individuals to take responsibility for their own health, self-care can:
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143| - Reduce pressure on healthcare systems
144| - Improve health outcomes through early intervention
145| - Increase health equity by making care more accessible
146| - Support the management of non-communicable diseases
147| - Contribute to more sustainable healthcare systems
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