As the festive season comes to an end and many of us reflect on weeks of good food, drink and celebration, January is often a time for resetting our priorities and focusing on our wellbeing.
For Somerset residents looking to make a positive start to the year, Somerset Council is encouraging eligible adults to book their free NHS Health Check and take a proactive step towards better long-term health.
The NHS Health Check is a national programme designed to assess the health of your heart and blood vessels (your cardiovascular health) and identify whether you may be at higher risk of developing certain serious conditions. These include heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and stroke.
For people aged over 65, the check also includes information on the early signs of dementia, as some risk factors overlap. With expert advice available and clear next steps tailored to each individual, it is an invaluable tool for staying healthy.
If you’re aged 40 to 74 with no pre-diagnosed heart conditions and have not had a check in the last 5 years, book your place now at: Burnham & Highbridge
What happens during an NHS Health Check?
Your NHS Health Check typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes and is delivered by a trained healthcare professional such as a nurse, pharmacist or healthcare assistant. During your appointment, the practitioner will:
- Ask some simple questions about you and your health, family history, and any medication you take
- Measure your height, weight and waist
- Check your blood pressure
- Take a quick blood test for cholesterol and sugar levels
- Provide a personal risk calculation for cardiovascular disease
- Offer tailored lifestyle advice to help you stay healthy
- Send results to your GP for you to discuss further
Once these checks are complete, you’ll receive a cardiovascular risk score, which indicates the likelihood of developing a heart or circulation problem within the next 10 years. This will be described as low, moderate, or high. You will also receive a breakdown of key health indicators, including:
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol levels
- Alcohol use scorePhysical activity assessment
- Diabetes risk assessment
What happens after the check?
At the end of your appointment, you’ll have time to talk through your results and receive practical advice on how to improve or maintain your health. This might include support with:
- Improving your diet
- Increasing physical activity
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Losing weight
- Reducing salt intake
- Stopping smoking
- Lowering cholesterol
Where helpful, you may be referred to local services such as stop smoking support or physical activity programmes.
The Council encourages eligible adults to take advantage of the free service at the start of the year, aiming to help them feel informed, in control, and on their way to a healthier future.