WhyWaitForever - London - Health

This page contains links to health information sources and health resources available in London and the UK. In medical matters there is absolutely no substitute for obtaining advice only from those qualified to give it. The resources listed here provide information to be better informed when discussing a medical matter with a qualified practioner.

Fitness and Health

There seems little doubt that some form of physical activity is beneficial to health. Changing to a more physically active lifestyle is beneficial to health. A medical checkup and medical advice should always be sought. For any activity suitable attire and equipment is essential. WhyWaitForever - London - Shops has links to shops for sport and the outdoors.

Cannons: Stylish facilities in a friendly professional environment.
Jubilee: Health and fitness programmes in central London.
The Sanctuary: For women in Convent Garden.
Health Clubs: A directory of health clubs and their web addresses.
Sport England: Links to contacts and addresses for sport in England.

Ailments, conditions, complaints and disorders

Anxiety: An organisation to address anxiety disorders.
Anxiety and Panic: Personal experiences.
Arthritis: The UK charity working for people with arthritis and funding research.
Asthma: The UK organisation working for people with asthma and hay fever.
Cancer Research: Information and emotional support.
Diabetes: The UK charity working for people with diabetes and funding research.
Dyslexia: The UK association working for people having difficulties with words.
Eczema: The UK organisation working for people with this skin condition.
Hearing: The Royal National Institute for Deaf People breaking down barriers to opportunity.
Heart: The British Heart Foundation tackling the biggest killer in the UK.
Mental Health: The UK Mental Health Association for those with mental health concerns or learning difficulties.
Migraine: More than just a headache it can be a disabling condition.
NACC: The National Association for Colitis and Crohn's Disease.
Obesity: Association for the study of obesity.
Sight: The Royal National Institute for the Blind breaking down barriers to opportunity.
Smoking: Action on smoking and health.

The above are only the most common complaints. The following NHS site has both advice and links to information and support organisations for the above and many many more.

NHS: The UK National Health Service online advice.

Personal health

The structure of healthcare has changed little since the middle of the last century. All UK nationals are issued with a NHS identifier. Each UK national registers with and consults a particular GP (General Practioner). The GP may work as part of a group practice. Some group practices are known as health centres. A patient can be referred by the GP to specialists who may work both for the NHS and for private health companies.

NHS: The UK National Health Service online advice.
Private Health: Advice and information on private healthcare in the UK.

Major hospitals have an accident and emergency department for cases where time and circumstances do not allow a consultation with a GP. Some areas have NHS or private clinics where patients can receive advice or undertake health screenings or health check ups.

BUPA: A large UK private health provider.
NetDoctor: A UK online information source.
Patient: A UK database on medicines, health and doctors.
AXA Healthcare: AXA PPP private health provider.
AXA Longterm: Long term care offerings.

Nationals from outside the UK and those seeking private health care should as early as possible try and find out the full costs of treatment.

Opticians

Boots: The Nottingham firm that we all trust and which looks after us throughout our lives.
Contact Lenses: They claim to be a UK market leader in contact lens replacement.
Dolland & Aitchison: They claim to be professional, caring and friendly.
Eye Contact: Eye care with a smile.
Iris Online: An online contact lens center.
20 / 20 Store: London’s largest optical store.

Chemists and pharmacists and beauty

All Cures: A full service on-line pharmacy.
Baldwins: A long established London chemist.
Body Shop: A heavily scented shop. I believe the clear eye gel is excellent.
Boots: The biggest.
Crabtree & Evelyn: Baths and body; creams, oils and balms.
Garden: Health and beauty.
Pharmacy2U: A new online pharmacy.
Superdrug: Lots of stores throughout the UK.
UniChem: Lots of pharmacies (the collective noun is not a dose).

Advice, Government and Research

WHO: The UN World Health Organisation.
DoH: The UK Government Department of Health.
HSE: The UK Government Health and Safety Executive.
BAAPS: The UK British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.
BMA: The UK British Medical Association.
BSHG: The UK British Society for Human Genetics.
MRC: The UK Medical Research Council.
NIMR: The UK National Institute for Medical Research.
RCS: The UK Royal College of Surgeons of England.
Sanger: The Sanger genome research centre.
Wellcome Trust: The Wellcome Trust research foundation.