British healthcare system

Most of the time we feel well.We can play sports, go to work and enjoy our lives.But sometimes we just don't feel well. What happens then?

Some people have medical insurance but most people can't affrod it and rely on the National Health Servise, the NHS.This is provided by the government in Britain. The NHS has sent everybody in Britain a Self-Help Guide.This will help you diagnose what is wrong and find the best treatment.You may need to go to the chemist to buy cough mixture or pills for a headache.You can get  a prescription from a doctor. Doctors work in surgeries or health centres.The doctor examines you first to find out whatt's wrong. Then they can write you a description for medicine to cure you.

If you can't get to a doctor, there are two other NHS services you could try. The first is NHS direct.This is a phone service where a trained nurse will suggest the best way to treat you.The NHS also provides Walk-in  Centres in more than 60 locations in Britain. You don't need an appoinment.For accidents or emergencies you should go to a hospital which has got a specific Accident and Emergencies deparment.

But many people prefer alternative medicine. This can include many kinds of treatment using both very old and very modern techniques.

The best way to avoid getting ill is to have a healthy diet, gets a lot of exercise and take good care of yourself.You shouldn't then need to use the healthcare system at all.