Health care is now a major concern. Stress, pollution, unhealthy lifestyles, even side-effects of drugs and treatment, have all contributed to a growing incidence of chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, kidney failure, etc. A surprising number of young people are being diagnosed with such serious ailments. At the same time, the proportion of senior citizens in the population is also rising.

The initial shock of a chronic disease diagnosis can overwhelm the patient and family. This is an effort at providing assistance in coping with the dramatically new life situation.

Health awareness has prompted many to turn to new age or alternative therapies. However, even those preferring holistic and alternative healing techniques, may be constrained to take recourse to allopathic treatment. This is especially true for serious/chronic illness, where life-threatening situations may be sudden and/or frequent. Hence, at least until there is significant improvement, you may be on allopathic treatment as well. During such periods, working with the system, instead of against it, can prove to be a helpful strategy. Stress, strain and fatigue of disease cause even obvious items to be overlooked. This handbook is intended to assist you in making the best of conventional treatment.

It is your life. You will have to play the most important part.

The informed patient dramatically improves his own well being and possibility of healing. He also makes an important contribution to the betterment of health care. If an increasing number of people take an involved interest in their health care, the accepted standards, will themselves improve. Being resigned to existing conditions will only reinforce lethargy and complacence.

This material is not a theoretical account of what should be done. It has been compiled from over 12 years of personal experience, as a caregiver.