Medical editor Philip Hagen, M.D., explains the clinical and editorial processes for the Mayo Clinic Guide to Self-Care to ensure it's reliability.

From the Mayo Clinic Guide to
Self-Care Medical Editor

Philip Hagen, M.D.

In planning this book, we asked people throughout the United States what they'd like to find in this book. Here's what they told us:

"Discuss common problems in simple language. Provide tips on prevention and self-care. Address important children's health concerns. And don't forget the workplace. Work is where we spend one-third of our waking lives."

It was a tall order. We began by reviewing the top 300 reasons why adults and children visit a doctor. Then we talked to Mayo Clinic nurses who respond to telephone calls from people with questions about health and illness. We consulted with health care providers, employers and managers of corporate health programs to learn what illnesses and injuries are common in the workplace.

Then we looked at health care costs. We reviewed our experience at Mayo Clinic, which includes providing care annually to more than one million patients and 57,000 employees at our three major locations in Rochester, Minn., Scottsdale, Ariz., and Jacksonville, Fla., and our regional community-based health care practices.

Using all of this information, we focused on how to prevent illness, how to detect illness before it becomes a serious, costly problem, and how to avoid unnecessary trips to the clinic or emergency room.

Our colleagues have reviewed every page of the newest edition and added much new information. We revised immunization guidelines, enhanced tips for travelers, and updated a wide variety of information and quick-care tips.

Please use this book for improving your health!

Philip Hagen, M.D., Preventive Medicine Specialist, Mayo Clinic
Medical Editor, Mayo Clinic Guide to Self-Care