Free health check gives peace of mind

ONCE you reach 40 years old, you are at greater risk of suffering from diabetes, heart and kidney diseases and a stroke.

That is why doctors' surgeries are contacting patients between the ages of 40 and 74 years old, every five years, urging them to pop in for a free health check.

health check: As part of National Heart Month, The Ashwood Surgery, on Ladysmith Road, Grimsby, held a drop-in session offering advice for patients. Practice nurse Gillian Roberts and health trainer Wayne Gould were there to help. Picture: Jon Corken

NHS Health Check – as it is known – aims to offer life-extending advice before people develop chronic illnesses.

Phillipa Hobson, programme co-ordinator for NHS Health Check, said: "There was a nationwide survey done which showed that people are at a much greater risk of developing a number of diseases when they are above 40 years old."

A special coffee morning was held at the Ashwood Surgery, on Ladysmith Road, Grimsby, offering patients the chance to have their health checked.



GP Reeta Singh said that the scheme was about prevention.

"We check things like blood pressure and cholesterol, so we can pick up things which are likely to cause a problem in the future."

Mandy Loughran, 50, of Simon's Place, Cleethorpes, has already booked one of the health checks.

"I thought that as I am turning 50, it is the perfect time to get a check-up for peace of mind, and take a look at my lifestyle if I need to."

North East Lincolnshire Council employs health trainers who will offer advice to people of any age on how to live a healthier lifestyle.

Health trainer Wayne Gould offered some advice for a healthier lifestyle:

Increase physical exercise – 30 minutes a day is ideal and walking, running, swimming and cycling are all good examples of things to do. It can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and can also be mood enhancing.

Eat healthily – get your five-a-day, reduce your portions, and cut down on fatty foods as your metabolism slows and blood pressure rises when you reach 40. Fruit and vegetables also contain special chemicals which have health benefits, for example, bananas contain thysipan which is associated with a "feel good factor".

Give up smoking – it will reduce the risk of various forms of cancer and strokes. You might find you will become more energetic as smokers have less oxygenated blood and non-smokers are often less stressed and have more time on their hands.

Reduce alcohol intake – women should not drink more than three units a day and men no more than four, with at least two days a week with no alcohol, giving organs such as your liver and kidneys time to recover. You might find drinking less gives you more control over your life.

Have regular health checks – it doesn't cost you anything to have a check-up on things like your glucose levels, cholesterol, blood pressure and body mass index. Knowing these things can help you identify potential problems and act on them before they get to a critical stage. Being aware of your health will also give you peace of mind and reduce stress.

Ashwood Surgery holds four medical-themed coffee mornings a year, so look out for the next one.

To find out more, call the surgery on 01472 255111 or visit www.ashwoodsurgery.co.uk