THE NHS will no doubt be preparing for the anticipated increase in people wanting treatment in A&E and making doctors’ appointments as winter approaches.

Inevitably there will be many whose ailment does not really justify such action.

I can remember an era when health problems were treated first by using remedies passed down through the family or by going to the chemist.

Visiting the doctor was a last resort.

For all the nutritional and general health advice given within the media it seems there has been very little improvement in the general health of the nation.

D Wearmouth, Shildon