Check In For A Check Up

Good health is central to our wellbeing and ability to lead a happy and fulfilled life; and Mid Sussex residents can be the recipient of a free NHS Health Check from the local Wellbeing Team writes Lisa de Silva

Good health is central to our wellbeing and ability to lead a happy and fulfilled life. The recent Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of keeping our bodies fit and healthy and to help achieve this, Mid Sussex residents can now get a free 30-minute NHS Health Check from the local Wellbeing Team.

These checks help people to take responsibility for their own personal health, working with the support of the team to prevent and reduce the risk of various diseases. With GP services under pressure, they are the ideal way to monitor your health. Open to anyone between the ages of 40 and 74 years, the checks are designed to assess your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and kidney disease. If any risk factors are identified, the team will work with you to help lower the potential of any health issues.

“The NHS Health Checks act as a screening tool,” explained Wellbeing Advisor, Jo Cook. “They can flag up any issues before they become a problem.”

Jo and her colleague, Julia MeckaelJennings, talked me through what an NHS Health Check involves. Firstly, a tiny pin prick of blood is taken to test cholesterol levels. Then waist, weight and height measurements are recorded. These figures produce a Body Mass Index (BMI), which is a guide to a healthy weight. The tests conclude with a blood pressure reading, taken three times to increase accuracy.

These clinical tests are followed by a chat about general lifestyle, covering smoking, physical activity levels, alcohol consumption and family health history. This information, together with an individual’s test results, is used to calculate how likely you are to develop cardiovascular disease during the following 10 years.

If the results show any areas of concern, the team are trained to offer advice and to signpost extra support services. These include weight management groups, an alcohol reduction service and smoking cessation support.

“These support services are ideal for those who know they have a problem but aren’t sure where to turn for help,” Julia told me. “If people aren’t comfortable in a group setting, we can also help them on a 1:1 basis, either in person or online.”

To be eligible for an NHS Health Check, you must be between 40 and 74 years old, not suffering from, or taking medication for, cardiovascular health issues, such as diabetes, stroke, heart, or kidney disease. The service is free and completely confidential, but you must agree for your results to be shared with your GP practice.

The Wellbeing team are warm and friendly, as well as being passionate about preventative health. Contact them on the details below to book an appointment and take a positive step towards improving your health and wellbeing. l www.midsussex.westsussexwellbeing.org.uk