Hello everyone, I trust you’re all enjoying the fresh air and slow pace of summer. Although things seem to slow down in the summer, we do have a special day to look forward to in July. Some may overlook it, yet we mark Self-care Day all around the world on July 24th. I’ve recently come across an interesting read on the seven pillars of self-care, and I wanted to share the highlights with you. Feel free to read this while making the most of your air conditioning!
Self-Care is more than taking a break
We’ve all heard it before—“Take care of yourself!”—from a well-meaning loved one or health professional. While the advice is usually meant to encourage rest, true self-care goes far beyond simply taking a break. According to the International Self-Care Foundation, self-care is built on seven essential pillars, all equally important and interconnected.
Understanding and nurturing each pillar can help us live healthier, more balanced lives. Let’s explore them using a few examples that might resonate with you:
- Knowledge and health literacy
The World Health Organization defines health literacy as the cognitive and social skills that determine a person’s motivation and ability to access, understand and use information to maintain and improve their health. Why does this matter? Because people with strong health literacy tend to experience better health outcomes, while those with limited literacy are more likely to engage in risky behaviours or struggle with managing chronic conditions.One great way to boost your health literacy is by attending one of our Wellness Cafés this fall. They offer practical, accessible information you can trust. Don’t hesitate to share this newsletter with someone who might benefit from clear, helpful health info.
- Mental wellbeing
Mental well-being is about more than just avoiding stress or anxiety. It’s a state where we can recognize our potential, cope with daily challenges, work productively, and contribute to our communities. Mental health is closely tied to self-awareness—the ability to apply what we know about health to our own lives.Improving mental well-being can take many forms. For instance, our Brain Power drop-in sessions every Tuesday morning this summer are a great opportunity to give your mind a boost through fun and engaging activities.
Self-awareness also means keeping track of important health metrics and knowing your personal risk factors. Do you know your blood pressure? Your sleep habits? Your family medical history? How much do you exercise or drink alcohol in a week? Being informed about these things helps you make better choices and track your progress over time. It also includes knowing when and how to use healthcare services wisely—more on that in pillar 7.
- Physical activity
This pillar highlights the importance of staying active across the lifespan. Regular physical activity isn’t just about fitness—it’s a cornerstone of mood, heart health, mobility and independence. Not sure where to start? You don’t need a gym membership. Try adding a walk or bike ride to your daily routine, or choose the stairs more often. And if you’d rather not go it alone, join one of our Wellness Walks this summer! They’re volunteer-led and a great way to move your body and meet new people at the same time. - Healthy eating
What we eat plays a major role in our overall health and ability to prevent chronic disease. Summer is the perfect time to focus on hydration and enjoy the abundance of fresh, local produce. You don’t need to make drastic changes overnight—just try to be mindful of what’s on your plate. Small shifts toward whole, seasonal foods can have a big impact over time. - Risk avoidance
Preventing health issues is just as important as treating them. This pillar covers the steps we can take every day to reduce our risk of illness or injury. That might mean wearing sunscreen, putting on a helmet when cycling, quitting smoking or managing chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension before complications arise. Prevention is powerful! - Good hygiene
Good hygiene habits help prevent the spread of disease and keep us feeling our best. The basics still matter: wash your hands regularly, especially after using the bathroom and before eating. Don’t forget about oral hygiene, either—brushing twice a day and flossing daily goes a long way toward keeping your teeth and gums healthy. And when you’re sick? Cover your mouth in the crook of your arm when coughing or sneezing and stay home when possible to avoid passing on your germs. - Rational use of products and services
This pillar is all about being an informed and responsible user of health services and medications. Always read the label and accompanying leaflet when taking medication, and don’t hesitate to ask your pharmacist or doctor if something is unclear. And before heading to the emergency room for a non-urgent issue, consider other options. You can:
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- Call Info-Santé at 811, option 1 (available 24/7)
- Speak with your pharmacist
- If you don’t have a family doctor, use the Guichet d’accès à la première ligne (GAP) online or call 811, option 3 for assistance.
- Lastly, you can visit the Jeffery Hale minor emergency clinic, open 7 days a week (even on holidays) from 7:45 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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As you can see, there are many facets to self-care and, chances are, you’re already practicing some of them in your daily life. I encourage you to read the full article by the International Self-Care Foundation. And if you’re feeling inspired, please drop me a line at afortinmaltais@jhpartners.net to let me know which pillar you’d like to focus on this July in honour of International Self-Care Day!
Take good care,
Anaïs