The most recent blog posts from s4c.co.uk/cymorth http://s4c.co.uk/cymorth Ankylosing Spondylitis is a particular arthritic condition which predominantly affects young men, though it can also be found in women and older people. It is thought to have a strong genetic link. It can cause painful inflammation in the joints which flare up, very often in the lower back, though not always in that part of the body. In addition to this, the condition can cause bones to eventually fuse in the affected area. It is estimated that around 5,000 people live with this condition in Wales, and though there is no cure at the moment, most people are able to function and live with the condition given support, pain relief and exercise. The organisations listed here can give you more information and can provide help and support, in conjunction with you doctor and physiotheraist, if you are currently living with the condition. http://s4c.co.uk/cymorth/article/-r-nankylosing-spondylitis-r-n-r-n Crohn's disease affects the gut, causing inflamation which is often painful. Symptoms can vary, but commonly they include a painful abdomen, diarrhea and generally feeling unwell. Around 90,000 people live with this condition in the UK, and there are no clear causes, although smoking, or having someone else in the family with the disease can be factors which increase the risk of developing the condition. There are sources of help, support and further infomation in the links below. http://s4c.co.uk/cymorth/article/-r-ncrohn-s-disease-r-n-r-n Down's Syndome is a genetic condition resulting in an irregular amount of chromosomes, and is common to all human societies. It has a higher incidence among older parents, but is not exclusively a problem of being an older parent. It can usually be detected before birth through testing. The condition does lead to health problems and means a degree of learning disability. However, with support, many people with Down's lead active and fulfilling lives. The list below is of some organisations which offer such support and pre-natal testing. http://s4c.co.uk/cymorth/article/-r-ndown-s-syndrome-r-n-r-n Obesity is becoming one of the main public health problems of present times, and the figures for Wales are quite high, especially in some areas and among some young people. It is a contributory factor in a range of health problems, from type 2 diabetes to heart problems and even cancer. There is a difference between being overweight and obese, and the difference is calculated according to your Body Mass Index (BMI), whch is calculated by dividing your weight by your height. A BMI of 30 or over could indicate that you are obese. The links below are to give you a guide to sources of support if you're concerned about your weight, but remember also that the first place to go if you have concerns is your local GP. http://s4c.co.uk/cymorth/article/-r-nobesity-r-n-r-n There are 29 Citizens Advice Bureaux across Wales, all of which are registered charities delivering advice from 259 locations. They offer free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. They do this through many channels, not only face to face. Read some more about what they do in Wales and how you could volunteer. http://s4c.co.uk/cymorth/organisation/view/10/citizens-advice-bureaux Head injuries, caused by whatever reason, can be particularly serious. Often, long term care and rehabilitation might be needed. It can have an effect on not just the individual, but on those around or closest to him or her. The organisations here provide some help and support. http://s4c.co.uk/cymorth/article/-r-nhead-injuries-r-n-r-n WCVA is the national umbrella organisation for the third sector in Wales, delivering a huge range of services for their members and the wider sector. They aim to make Wales a better place by championing the voluntary, community and citizen action at the heart of Wales’ third sector. More about the Volunteer of the Year Awards 2011. http://s4c.co.uk/cymorth/organisation/view/9/wales-council-for-voluntary-action Learning disabilities cover different intellectual disabilities, but basically the term means that a person’s ability to learn is affected and that they may not learn things as quickly as other people. This is not an illness, and people usually have this condition from birth or early childhood. It can be categorised as mild, moderate or severe. People with a learning disability vary a great deal in the help they may need, and whilst some need help with washing and dressing for example, others will live quite independently with much less support. With profound learning disability, behaviour can be challenging. Other factors such as sight or hearing difficulties, autism, mental illness or other health problems might play a role in the support they need. All of the organisations listed here regard people with learning disabilities as full members of society and try to foster support for positive social attitudes to enable them to reach their potential. http://s4c.co.uk/cymorth/article/-r-nlearning-disability-r-n-r-n With over a 100,000 people in Wales living with serious sight loss, it is important to make sure that their needs are taken into consideration throughout society.This means inclusion and equal access to all services and opportunities which others enjoy. The organisations listed here are resources which offer help and support with these aims in mind, and to ensure independence and a better quality of life for visually impaired people.  http://s4c.co.uk/cymorth/article/-r-nresources-for-the-blind-r-n-r-n Many of Wales and the UK's leading charities are present on the high street, providing goods for sale and volunteering opportunites. But what do some of these offer the people they are trying to help? More details here about some of the familiar names, and what you can do to volunteer. http://s4c.co.uk/cymorth/article/-r-ncharity-shops-r-n-r-n BHF Cymru are trying to fight heart disease in Wales through health campaigns, lobbying for better services and developing research. They invest in equipment and research which are vital in helping those who are living with heart disease or have suffered from its consequences. More about the organisation and a look at the stories of some volunteers. http://s4c.co.uk/cymorth/organisation/view/8/british-heart-foundation-cymru