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.