The Consumer Health Information Centre (CHIC) is an advice service set up to help you to understand more about health, including hints and tips to say healthy and ways to get back on your feet when illness strikes.

There are many minor illnesses which, although unpleasant, don't require a visit to the doctor. So who do you ask for speedy advice on what to do and if the bottle you have in the bathroom medicine cabinet is still OK? How do you know if the illness is pressing normally and if the old wives' tales are really myths or useful tips?

Well, you can now get all this information from the Consumer Health Information Centre. The Centre gives you access to independent professional advice through an expert panel of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and consumer information experts. The who's who on the panel is available for you to read in the Panel Profile section.

How to get advice:
Over the coming months, we will be setting up special sections on this web site, profiling different minor ailments and illnesses right through to how to help yourself to get over them. We are kicking off this service with colds and flu. Call up Ebenezer Sneezer and find out more! If you need more specific advice, we have also set up the CHIC Helpline where you can talk to a trained pharmacist. As we grow, we will be providing information on more ailments and illnesses so watch this space.