Message from the Minister of Health – International Self-Care Day – July 24, 2019

July 24 is International Self-Care Day—an opportunity to raise awareness about self-care and the important role it plays in leading a healthy lifestyle.

Self-care is about taking care of yourself, and making choices that help your physical and mental health, like eating healthy, getting enough sleep and exercising. The date chosen for International Self-Care Day (7/24) is a reminder that self-care is important to lifelong health, and its benefits are experienced 7 days a week, and 24 hours a day.

Canadians also use self-care products every day to maintain their health, treat minor ailments or for their appearance. Self-care products are available without a prescription and fall into three broad categories: cosmetics, natural health products, and non-prescription drugs. Products include vitamins, pain relievers, and sunscreen.

In the two-and-a-half years since the launch of the public consultation on the Self-Care Framework, Health Canada has made significant progress towards updating its approach to the way self-care products are regulated in Canada.

The focus of the Self-Care Framework is to ensure that Canadians who use self-care products have the knowledge they need to make informed decisions – and that any claims made are backed up by evidence. The Framework will enhance Canadians’ already-strong trust in the sector, which helps thousands of Canadians self-manage their health needs every day.

I encourage all Canadians to join me in celebrating International Self-Care Day, and to learn more about the safe use of self-care products as part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Related links:

• Self-care products
• Healthy living
• Improving your mental health
• Physical activity

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Health