Ms. Liebmann-Smith, a medical writer, who resolved to write a guide for laymen to the warning signs of serious illnesses, wrote a book, "Body Signs", in 2007 and has since been published in 26 countries.

"The more engaged patients can be, the better," says Ted Epperly, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Some of the most worrisome body signs are already well known, thanks to extensive education campaigns. Most women know to check their breasts regularly and to have regular mammograms.

Men can develop breast cancer too, with many of the same symptoms.

The article addresses skin cancers, brittle nails, teeth and hypertension.

A few years ago the B.C. government printed a book on common ailments and whatever made a person sick or non-life threatening injuries. It was meant as a guide so you would be able to know whether you should go to a Dr. or hospital or not. It was distributed free to every household in the province. I still have mine even though I acquired a hard-cover bigger and better book.