How are you? Find out about a free NHS Health check

December 30, 2014 by Joanna Harrison

How are you? Find out about a free NHS Health check

Tis the season to be jolly aware of the chance for residents aged between 40 and 74 to have a free health MOT.

All you need to do is contact your GP’s surgery to book this in if you are eligible.

The 20-minute procedure carried out by a practice nurse or healthcare assistant, includes some lifestyle questions and checks on blood pressure, kidneys, weight, cholesterol levels and diabetes.

Ian Gilbert , Executive Councillor for Community Development, said: “We would urge residents who are in the right age group to contact their GP about taking up this excellent opportunity for a free NHS health check. It’s also an ideal opportunity to discuss any new year’s resolutions about lifestyle and find out about the support that’s available.

“These simple routine tests can flag up issues which may not now show any outward symptoms at all, but could develop into something more serious in future.

“For instance, if you find out early enough that you have high cholesterol levels, you can take steps to tackle this and thereby hugely cut down the risk of life-threatening strokes or heart attacks later on. “Over Christmas, people often reflect on the past year, and decide to make changes for the next one, so this is an ideal time to add ‘free NHS health check’ to your New Year Resolutions

” For more details about the health checks, please visit: www.healthcheck.nhs.uk