The clinical commissioning group in charge of Watford has released advice about how to take care of yourself and stay healthy this winter.

Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has joined the Self-Care Week campaign, running from November 17 to November 23, and is advising people to use their pharmacist more as the cold season starts to bite.

Pharmacists can help people give up smoking, lose weight, eat more healthily and offer advice about ailments from coughs to help managing a long-term condition.

If something needs more urgent medical attention they will tell patients to visit their GP or local hospital.

Pharmacists can also help manage medicines and make sure medication doesn't run out.

The Herts Valleys CCG recommends stocking up the medicine cabinet in preparation for winter, whether it’s picking up prescriptions, paracetamol or plasters.

Dr Clair Moring, local GP medicines lead for Herts Valleys CCG, said: "A good starting point to finding out about all the ways you can look after your health is to visit 'your health, your way' on the NHS Choices website.

"The ‘your health, your way’ section offers information and support with everything from tips on improving your diet and exercise regime, through to quizzes, planners and apps to make life easier at home and information on support networks to help you share your experiences with.

"With a wide range of really useful information, NHS Choices and your local pharmacist are great places to start learning more about the benefits of self-care."