A staggering 60 per cent of working people have admitted that they are likely to take a day off sick in January. Nearly one in four (23 per cent) of us are anticipating entering 2004 with the January blues and one in ten (13 per cent) workers admitted they are already planning to pull a 'sickie', rising to over a third (34 per cent) of 16-24 year olds!

These results - from a new survey conducted for the Consumer Health Information Centre (CHIC) and DPP: Developing Patient Partnerships - show that many of us who work are likely to have time off in January for a host of ailments including
flu (29%), colds (23 per cent), headaches and hangovers (13 per cent) and stress (12 per cent).

To support the public in dealing with common ailments at home and at work, CHIC and DPP have teamed up with Dr. Ian Banks to launch: 'Self-care at home and at work' booklet which aims to help people get back on their feet by giving advice on how to handle common ailments from combating a hangover or handling stress at work to advice on coughs & colds. The booklet will be available through DPP member GP practices and will also be available to the public from the CHIC helpline.

Commenting on the initiative Dr Simon Fradd, Chairman, DPP said: "Many people waste time seeing their GP for minor ailments (between 20-40% of a GP's time is spent consulting on minor ailments for the general population) particularly during winter, when in fact there is plenty that people can do for themselves. By using over-the-counter treatments with advice from pharmacists, people can feel better quicker without the hassle of going to the surgery. Pharmacists are experts in medicines and as a doctor I would recommend my patients get their advice on how to cope with minor ailments".

Dr Ian Banks, GP and CHIC spokesperson comments: "You don't need to see your doctor for every medical condition. Simple health problems can be safely dealt with at home or work. This booklet shows you how".

For a free booklet on 'Managing common ailments at home and at work, call the CHIC helpline on 020 7761 1803.

Notes for editors
DPP: Developing Patient Partnerships is a charity that produces health education campaigns to encourage effective communication between health professionals and patients, help people to use NHS services effectively and encourage people to manage their own health. For more information about DPP and our services call 020 7383 6144.

Research was conducted by NOP Research by telephone between 28th - 30th November amongst 999 adults aged 16+

For further information please contact:

Sophie Taylor-Roberts on 020 7761 1786 or email sophie.taylor-roberts@nexuspr.com
Nicky Smith on 020 7761 1714 or email nicky.smith@nexuspr.com