Common Questions

These are the questions that land in our inbox most often, answered as plainly as we can manage. If yours is not here, the contact page explains how to reach us.

About the site

Who writes the articles?

Four people who publish under pen names. We each look after a few subjects, and every piece is read by a second person before it is published. None of us has a medical qualification, and we never claim one.

Is this a medical website?

No. It is a general wellbeing blog. We explain everyday health topics so that you can understand them and ask better questions, but we do not diagnose or treat anyone. Our health information notice sets out the limits.

Can you tell me what to do about my symptoms?

We are sorry, but we cannot. Even with the best intentions, we are not in a position to assess anyone's health. A doctor, dentist or pharmacist can. If a symptom feels severe or sudden, contact emergency services.

About the articles

How do you decide what to write about?

Mostly from questions readers ask and from searching for gaps where a calm, simple explanation seems to be missing. Our subjects we follow page lists the themes.

Where does your information come from?

Mainly public health services, professional bodies and patient information from reputable organisations. We describe the process on where our information comes from.

Why don't you give supplement doses?

Because the right amount, if any, depends on the person, their other medicines and their health. A pharmacist can help with that in a way an article cannot.

Are some articles older than others?

Yes. The blog has been running for a while, and we are steadily revisiting earlier posts so they match our current standards. Each article shows its date.

About money and privacy

Do you run adverts or sell products?

No adverts and no shop. Some articles do mention or link to brands and providers, so weigh them against alternatives and run the details past a pharmacist or GP.

Do you track visitors?

No. There are no analytics or advertising trackers. The only thing stored is your answer to the cookie notice, kept in your own browser. See how we handle data.

Can I republish an article?

Please share a link instead. Short quotations with a link back are fine; copying whole articles is not.

Getting involved

Can I suggest a topic?

Absolutely. Some of our most useful pieces started as a reader's question.

I think something is wrong. What should I do?

Tell us which article and which part. We take corrections seriously, as explained on how we fix mistakes.