ISD is just around the corner! International Self-Care Day (ISD), on 24 July each year, provides a focus and opportunity to raise the profile of healthy lifestyle self-care programmes around the world. ISD has been running since 2011. It provides a media-friendly forum and a focus for individuals and groups to (independently) promote self-care in their organisation or community. All stakeholders in health are invited to use International Self-Care Day in responsible ways that progress the cause of healthy lifestyles and wellness.

Each year ISF proposes a general theme for International Self-Care Day. For 24 July 2017, the theme is ‘Get better with Self-Care’. ISF itself is organizing a programme of events in Kunming, China.

Since 2011 self-care activities linked to ISD have been organised by many different groups around the world, in countries as far apart as China, Mexico, South Africa, Switzerland, the United States and Vietnam. Some countries – the UK and Canada – have organised self-care weeks.

ISD-related activities have focused on young people (e.g. a poster design competition, mob flash dance, and concerts), seniors (community involvement programmes, physical examination programmes), the general public (public lectures, expert advice, sponsored public walks, football and golf matches, tai chi classes), occupational health, pharmacy (poster campaign, pharmacy manager training), research (on self-care habits and behaviour), and the media (media events, newspaper and journal articles).

ISF wishes everyone a successful ISD!