Page 7 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

People today are more aware of health issues than ever before, but they
are frequently confronted with a bewildering array of self-help advice. There
is often little guidance through this maze, leaving many confused about when
and whom to ask for help, and sometimes suffering because they do not want
to bother their doctor with "trivial" complaints.

As a general practitioner for many years, I have always felt it is important
to empower people by giving them clear information to enable them to make
sensible decisions about their health. In writing Home Doctor I have tried to
put this into practice, covering over 150 common conditions for which home
treatment is often appropriate. In each article, I have given guidance on
identifying your condition and deciding whether self-help is suitable, and
advised on practical help and treatment.

A range of drug and natural remedies is suggested in this book (with more
information, such as brand names, listed in an A–Z list at the back). There is
a vast number of treatments available in pharmacies and health stores, but I
have confined myself to those that are likely to be most effective. Naturally,
there will be omissions or alternatives that may be just as suitable. As much
as possible, I have used a similar evidence-based approach in choosing
natural remedies, with the occasional addition of a soothing herbal tea or
oil that may help and is unlikely to cause harm.

In researching and writing this book, I have tried to create a simple home
reference that can be turned to when any family member is sick or needs
medical advice. However, a book can give only general guidance and is no
substitute for professional advice. When you can’t find an answer here, or
are in any doubt about a medical condition, you should see your own doctor.

Dr Michael Peters