Part of the stress that can accompany an illness or medical symptom may come from not knowing what the illness is or treat it. But these days, finding the answers to your medical questions is easier than ever.
At Your Doctor
Always begin with your primary care doctor when seeking medical advice. Your doctor knows your medical history and any special problems you may have. According to the U.S. News and World Report, in 2006 Americans, on average, visited doctors and out-patient services four times a year. This suggests that many have a strong relationships with their doctors; there's no substitute for that kind of personal knowledge of you and your body.
Internet
Many websites allow you to post questions on a forum or chatroom. On the medical section of justanswer.com you can post a question to be answered by online doctors. These services have the benefit of being both easy and confidential. Typically answers are available to you in minutes. Then, if necessary, you can visit your doctor.
Medical Textbooks and Encyclopedias
Libraries carry medical textbooks and encyclopedias, but you have to be savvy enough to know research the texts and find the right resources. If you are having trouble, ask a research librarian for help. The downside of using medical textbooks is that they are written for doctors by doctors, and can be very technical and difficult to understand.
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