Health & Wellbeing Factsheets

Our Health & Wellbeing related factsheets cover a wide variety of topics written for those living with thalidomide damage and their supporters.

They are available on the links below for downloading and printing.

Watch our Health & Wellbeing videos providing practical, additional information

emergency grant

Health

Breast Check

Why it’s important to check your breasts and tips on how to do this correctly.

Breast Check

Cancer – An Overview

Be aware of common symptoms of cancer and lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of developing cancer.

Cancer – An Overview

Cataracts

Information on cataracts and treatments available.

Cataracts

Excessive Sweating

Excessive Sweating

Hip Pain and Arthritis

Some of you have told us you have pain in your hips. Several issues can cause it, one of which is osteoarthritis (wear and tear to the bones and joints). Read our factsheet about hip pain and arthritis to see what you could do to help.

Hip Pain and Arthritis

Hospital Stay

Be prepared for your hospital stay and for the recovery period. Read experiences of beneficiaries who have been in hospital and advise from our Medical Adviser to help make your hospital stay and convalescence as hassle-free as possible.

Preparing for a Hospital Stay

How to Make the Most of Your GP Appointment

Tips to help you prepare for a medical appointment to get the most out of it.

How to Make the Most of Your GP Appointment

Making a Complaint

Read our step-by-step guides on the best way of making an effective complaint, whether it’s for you or for someone you care for.
Making a Complaint about your GP Surgery
Making A Complaint About Hospital Care

Medical and Herbal Treatments For The Menopause

Details of the treatments available for the menopause, in particular HRT, discussing benefits, risks and side effects.
Medical and Herbal Treatments for the Menopause Factsheet

Menopause

A full explanation of what the menopause is and the symptoms that may be experienced, the longer term effects on health, plus how you can make lifestyle improvements to help manage the symptoms.
Menopause

Neck and Shoulder Pain

Neck and shoulder pain is a common cause of concern for many beneficiaries and as the specialist who have seen some of you and leading doctors and physiotherapists tell us, there are reasons why you are likely to experience it.

Neck and Shoulder Pain

NHS Services Over 65

Overview of the NHS service changes for the over 65s in order to better meet your changing health needs as you age.

NHS Services Over 65

Prosthetic Ears 

Prosthetic ears offer an excellent alternative to complex and expensive ear reconstructive surgery. They look very real these days and are matched closely to your skin tone so that they look perfectly natural.
Prosthetic Ears

Taking Blood

We know having your blood taken can be difficult. Our factsheet has some useful advice about how to make the process easier and less stressful.

Giving Blood More Easily

Taking Blood Pressure

Many people affected by thalidomide are unable to have blood pressure taken in the arm. Our factsheet provides further information to make this easier.

Taking Blood Pressure

Mobility

Blue Badge

Our Blue Badge factsheet explains the parking benefits that this gives to eligible drivers, and how you can apply for one.
Blue Badge

Buying A Car

It’s important when buying a car to consider all your requirements to ensure you buy the best one for you. Our factsheet will help you with your choice.
Buying A Car

Driving: Legal And Medical Factsheet

Our factsheet gives you information for disabled drivers on the legal and medical conditions you need to take account of to drive safely and within UK law.
Driving Legal And Medical

Motability

Read about the national Motability scheme, find out if you are eligible for this and how to apply.
Motability

Motability And PIP

Information on how your eligibility to join the Motability scheme may be affected by your PIP assessment.
Motability & PIP

Wheelchairs

Buying a wheelchair is a big decision and can also be an expensive one. Careful consideration, research and planning will help you find one that completely meets your needs. Our information will help with your choices.
Wheelchairs

Contact Us

If you require any further information or wish to discuss the issues above please contact the Health & Wellbeing team on 01480 474074 or email [email protected].

Accessibility

Hard copies of any factsheet are available if you are unable to access them via the website, just contact the Health & Wellbeing team.