Health library
Health library
Practical guides to the decisions patients face most, written in plain language and built on public guidance from WHO, CDC, NHS, NIH and medical societies.
Cholesterol explained: LDL, HDL and triglycerides
What cholesterol numbers mean, how often to get tested, what raises and lowers cholesterol, and when medicines such as statins are recommended.
Read · 6 min ConditionsCold, flu, COVID-19 or allergies? How to tell the difference
A side-by-side symptom comparison of colds, flu, COVID-19 and seasonal allergies, when to test, who should seek early treatment and emergency warning signs.
Read · 6 min Care navigationCommon blood tests explained: CBC, metabolic panel, cholesterol and A1C
What the most common blood tests measure, what high or low results can mean, why reference ranges vary, and what to ask about your results.
Read · 7 min Everyday healthDental checkups: how often, and warning signs not to ignore
How often to see a dentist, what happens at a checkup, daily habits that protect teeth and gums, and the dental symptoms that need prompt or emergency care.
Read · 5 min ConditionsFever in adults: home care and when to see a doctor
What counts as a fever in adults, common causes, how to look after yourself at home, and the warning signs that mean you should seek medical or emergency care.
Read · 5 min ConditionsHeadaches: common types, triggers and red flags
How to recognise tension-type headache, migraine and cluster headache, practical self-care, medication-overuse headache, and warning signs that need urgent care.
Read · 6 min Care navigationHealth insurance terms explained: deductible, copay, coinsurance and more
Plain-language definitions of the health insurance terms that decide what you pay, with a worked example and tips for avoiding surprise bills.
Read · 6 min ConditionsHigh blood pressure: what the numbers mean and what lowers them
Blood pressure categories explained, why high blood pressure matters, common causes, proven ways to lower it and when a reading needs urgent care.
Read · 7 min Care navigationHow to choose a clinic: a 12-point checklist
How to check licensing and accreditation, compare costs, read reviews wisely and spot red flags before you book with any clinic.
Read · 7 min Care navigationHow to choose a primary care doctor
What primary care clinicians do, the different types, and a practical checklist for finding one who fits your needs, location and budget.
Read · 6 min Care navigationHow to prepare for a doctor's appointment (with questions to ask)
A simple before, during and after plan for any medical appointment, plus the most useful questions to ask about symptoms, tests, diagnoses and treatment.
Read · 7 min Everyday healthHow to sleep better: evidence-based sleep habits
How much sleep adults need, the habits that improve sleep most, how insomnia is treated, and when snoring or daytime sleepiness need a clinician.
Read · 6 min ConditionsLower back pain: self-care and when to see a doctor
Why lower back pain is so common, what helps it recover, the red-flag symptoms that need urgent care, and when to see a doctor or physiotherapist.
Read · 6 min ConditionsPrediabetes and type 2 diabetes: what to know
How prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are diagnosed, early symptoms, who should be tested, and the lifestyle changes proven to prevent or delay diabetes.
Read · 7 min Everyday healthStress and anxiety: practical coping and when to seek help
The difference between everyday stress and an anxiety disorder, practical techniques that calm the stress response, effective treatments, and crisis support.
Read · 7 min Care navigationTelehealth visits: what they're good for and how to prepare
When a video or phone visit works well, when you need to be seen in person, and how to get the most from a telehealth appointment.
Read · 6 min Care navigationTreatment abroad: how to evaluate a clinic in another country
A practical checklist for medical and dental tourism: accreditation, surgeon credentials, true costs, travel timing, aftercare and what to do if something goes wrong.
Read · 8 min Care navigationUrgent care vs. ER vs. primary care: where should you go?
A practical guide to choosing between the emergency department, urgent care, telehealth, a walk-in clinic and your own doctor — with warning signs that mean call for help now.
Read · 7 min Care navigationWhat happens at an annual checkup — and how to get more from it
What a routine adult checkup usually includes, common screening tests by age, vaccines to review, and how to prepare so the visit is worth your time.
Read · 6 min Care navigationWhen and how to get a second opinion
Why second opinions are a normal part of good care, when they are most worthwhile, and how to arrange one with your records in hand.
Read · 5 min ConditionsWhen to see a dermatologist: moles, rashes and the ABCDEs
How to check moles with the ABCDE rule and the ugly duckling sign, other reasons to see a dermatologist, and the sun protection habits that lower skin cancer risk.
Read · 6 min Everyday healthWhen to see a physiotherapist (and what to expect)
What physiotherapists treat, whether you need a referral, what happens at the first appointment, how many sessions to expect and how to choose a good physio.
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How we write these guides
Each guide is written by the dr.clinic editorial team from public guidance published by health authorities and professional societies, and lists those sources at the end. We review guides at least once a year, and sooner when guidance changes. Read our editorial policy to see how we choose topics, handle corrections and keep advertising separate from content.
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