Are you due a lifesaving NHS health check?

Dr Chris Duffy, NHS HMR CCG Chairman and local GP

People aged between 40 and 74 in the Rochdale borough are being encouraged to take the opportunity for a free NHS health check, to help them live well for longer.

NHS health check is a national programme that aims to help prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease in adults.

Anyone could potentially be at risk of developing these conditions, but the good news is that they can often be prevented, even if you have a history of them in your family.

If you haven't already been diagnosed with one of these conditions and are aged between 40 and 74, your GP practice will invite you for a NHS health check. This will involve a simple blood test to measure your cholesterol, blood sugars and kidney function.

Once your GP has received your blood test results, you will be invited for a follow-up appointment where you will asked some simple questions around family history and lifestyle, and your blood pressure will also be measured.

During this appointment, you will be offered personalised advice and support to help you to take any necessary action to stay fit and reduce your risk of developing future health problems.

Heywood GP and Chairman of NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group (HMR CCG), Dr Chris Duffy has recently been for his health check.

He said: “Being a GP, I understand the importance of regular health checks in order to identify any issues at an early stage. Small, long-lasting lifestyle changes can make a huge difference to your health and wellbeing.

“Overall I was relieved to hear that I’m in reasonably good shape and I’m glad I’ve had the NHS health check, as now I know that I don’t have any serious issues to worry about.

"I would recommend everyone who receives an invitation from their GP to attend the NHS health check and for those eligible to also have their flu vaccination at the same time, so they are able to enjoy healthier and longer lives.”

The risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease increases with age. Other factors that put you at greater risk include being overweight, lack of exercise, smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol and family history.

For more information on the NHS Health Check programme, please visit www.healthcheck.nhs.uk.