As part of the Men’s Health Matters campaign, Health and Safety would like to remind colleagues about free NHS Health Checks.
The checks are free to men and women aged 40-74 in England and are designed to spot the early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and dementia. As we get older, we have a higher risk of developing one of these conditions.
What happens at the NHS Health Check?
The Health Check takes about 20-30 minutes during which a health professional (often a nurse or healthcare assistant) will ask some simple questions about your lifestyle and family history. They will also measure your height and weight, take your blood pressure and do a blood test.
You will then receive personalised advice on lowering your risk. This could include talking about:
– improving your diet and taking regular exercise;
– taking medication to lower blood pressure or cholesterol;
– how to lose weight or stop smoking.
We are all very busy and it is easy to put off your health check until a more convenient time.
But your health matters, so if you have had a letter inviting your for your free NHS Health Check, then why not put it at the top of your ‘to do’ list?
If you haven’t received a letter, contact your local GP.
