Health checks for 40-74 year olds

Treat your body to a free health check – you deserve it. Helping you prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, dementia and kidney disease.

Everyone is at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and some forms of dementia and we know that this risk increases with age. The good news is that these conditions can often be prevented.

If you live in the borough, are aged 40-74 years, haven’t already been diagnosed by a Medical Practitioner with the following:.

• High cholesterol (Are you on Statins)
• High blood pressure (Hypertension)
• Diabetes (High plasma glucose)
• Any sort of heart problems e.g. angina, heart attack
• Stroke
• Mini stroke (Transient Ischaemic Attack)
• Family History of high Cholesterol (Familial hypercholesterolaemia)
• Chronic Kidney Disease (Stage 3-5)
• Peripheral Arterial Disease or Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Had a free NHS Health Check in the past 5 years?

You could qualify for a free health check now and once every five years.

Even if you are feeling well, it’s worth having your NHS health check now. We can then work with you to lower your chances of developing these health problems in the future.

What is the free NHS health check?

The free NHS health check is a programme that aims to reduce these conditions, which affect the body in different ways, but are all linked by a common set of risk factors. Having one of these conditions can increase your risk of developing another and, together, they are the biggest cause of preventable deaths in the UK.

• Heart disease – occurs when the artery that supplies blood to the heart becomes blocked.
• Stroke – deprives your brain of blood and is a medical emergency.
• Diabetes – when the body cannot use sugar (glucose) properly. Diabetes can raise your risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
• Kidney disease – when the kidneys don’t work properly, it can cause serious health problems.
• Dementia – a set of symptoms that affect the normal functions of the brain, which could be caused by stroke or blood circulation problems.

What does the health check involve?

Firstly, you will be given a blood test form by admin staff for a  fasting blood test. Then you will be given an appointment to come and see  Health Care Assistant /Nurse.

1. The check will take about 10 minutes.
2. You will be asked some simple questions, including some about your family history and lifestyle choices, which may put your health at risk.
3. We will record your height, weight, age, sex, and ethnicity.
4. We will take your blood pressure.
5. We will check your blood results in  hospital computer

What happens immediately after the check?

• You will be taken through your results and what they mean.
• Some people may be asked to return at a later date for repeat blood pressure and/or blood tests
• You will be given personalised advice on how to lower your risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Some people with raised blood pressure will have further tests arranged
• Treatment or medication may be prescribed to help you maintain your health