The International Self-Care Foundation has developed a framework for self-care around seven ‘pillars’ or ‘domains’:
Pillar 1
Knowledge & Health literacy – includes: the capacity of individuals to obtain, process and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.
Pillar 2
Mental wellbeing, Self-awareness & Agency – includes: knowing your body mass index (BMI), cholesterol level, blood pressure; engaging in health screening.
Pillar 3
Physical activity – practicing moderate intensity physical activity such as walking, cycling, or participating in sports at a desirable frequency.
Pillar 4
Healthy eating – includes: having a nutritious, balanced diet with appropriate levels of calorie intake.
Pillar 5
Risk avoidance or mitigation – includes: quitting tobacco, limiting alcohol use, getting vaccinated, practicing safe sex, using sunscreens.
Pillar 6
Good hygiene – includes: washing hands regularly, brushing teeth, washing food.
Pillar 7
Rational and responsible use of products, services, diagnostics and medicines – includes: being aware of dangers, using responsibly when necessary.
The Seven Pillars is available in a number of languages:
ENGLISH
FRENCH
SPANISH
CHINESE
ARABIC
PORTUGUESE
URDU
For more on the 7 pillars click here
