DoubleCheq can be useful for:

• anyone with a health condition wanting to do more to improve their health;

• anyone with a health condition wanting to try a new approach;

• anyone looking to expand their existing self-care knowledge; and,

• anyone seeking to improve their general health and wellbeing.

No.  DoubleCheq is staffed by healthcare professionals who work with or in the NHS.  Our services are designed to be complimentary to the care you receive from you regular healthcare provider.

This depends on your relationship with your doctor.  However, generally, we recommend that you mention DoubleCheq.  All of our guidance is based on UK clinical guidelines – or relevant international guidelines – and is consistent with NHS care.

Fees relating to consultations depend on the service provided and the individual health specialist.  Fees are displayed during the consultation booking process.

A long-term health condition cannot be cured but its symptoms and complications can usually be controlled with treatment.  For example, arthritis, asthma, and diabetes.   A health risk factor is any health issue that increases the likelihood of developing a long-term health condition.  For example, high blood pressure, excess weight, and lack of physical activity all increase the risk of developing heart disease.  Self-care – in addition to regular medical care – can help with the management of long-term health conditions and reduce or eliminate the negative influence of health risk factors.

Engaging in active self-care is empowering.  It gives you more control over your condition and allows you to feel more in control of your life.  It can also improve your health and help you feel better on a day-to-day basis.

People with a long-term health condition spend an average of less than four hours a year with their medical team.  Having the right self-care tools in place can help you for the large amount of time you do not receive direct medical care.  Some research indicates that people who are actively involved in their own care have better health outcomes.

Self-care is not a new activity.  People have necessarily managed their own health throughout human history.  However, it has only been studied as a scientific topic for approximately 50 years.  There is now empirical research showing what self-care approaches are effective and which are less or non-effective.  Self-care research centres include:

• Self-Care Academic Research Unit (SCARU), Imperial College London, https://www.imperial.ac.uk/school-public-health/primary-care-and-public-health/research/scaru/

• The International Center for Self Care Research, http://www.selfcareresearch.org/