Aged 40-74?
Find out about our FREE NHS Health Check
Even though you might be feeling great, if you’re over forty you may be at risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, diabetes or dementia.
A FREE NHS Health Check can help you reduce these risks and make sure that you stay healthy.
Working together to improve your health
Everyone is at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and some forms of dementia. The good news is that these conditions can often be prevented – even if you have a history of them in your family. Have your free NHS Health Check and you will be better prepared for the future and be able to take steps to maintain or improve your health.
Why do I need an NHS Health Check?
We know that your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia increases with age.
There are also certain things that will put you at even greater risk.
These are:
- being overweight
- being physically inactive
- not eating healthily
- smoking
- drinking too much alcohol
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
Both men and women can develop these conditions, and having one could increase your risk of developing another in the future.
- In the brain a blocked artery or a bleed can cause a stroke.
- In the heart a blocked artery can cause a heart attack or angina.
- The kidneys can be damaged by high blood pressure or diabetes, causing chronic kidney disease and increasing your risk of having a heart attack.
- Being overweight and physically inactive can lead to type 2 diabetes.
- If unrecognised or unmanaged, type 2 diabetes could increase your risk of further health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease and stroke.
Is there anything to be worried about?
The NHS Health Check has the potential to reduce your chances of developing certain conditions, and many people find it beneficial. However, it is your choice whether or not you take up the offer of a free NHS Health Check. Some people might be worried about the check and the impact of the results on their lifestyle. If you do have any concerns you can discuss them when you attend your check.
What happens at the check?
This check is to assess your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and stroke.
Step 1 - If you can we will ask you to provide us some information about your health via a questionnaire, don't worry if you can't do this on a mobile phone or computer we can get this information from you later at your appointment.
Step 2 - Your then be asked to book a blood test with us. Once your blood test is complete we will either book you in for Step 3 or we will wait for availability and contact you to book a face to face appointment with our Healthcare Professional.
Step 3 - Face to Face Appointment with our Healthcare Professional
- The check will take about 30 minutes.
- You’ll be asked some simple questions. For example, about your family history and choices which may put your health at risk.
- We’ll record your height, weight, age, sex and ethnicity.
- We’ll check your blood pressure and cholesterol.
- We will discuss how you can reduce your risk and stay healthy.
- You’ll be taken through your results and told what they mean.
- You’ll be given personalised advice on how to lower your risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- If you're aged over 65, you'll also be told about symptoms of dementia to look out for, as some types of dementia have the same risk factors as these conditions. You can also be given details of local services that help with dementia.
- Some people with raised blood pressure may be asked to have a follow up blood test.
- Some people may need to have another blood test to check for type 2 diabetes. Your health professional will be able to tell you more.
- Treatment or medication may be prescribed to help you maintain your health.
Questions you may have
Why do I need this check? I feel fine!
The NHS Health Check helps to identify potential risks early. By having this check and following the advice of your health professional, you improve your chances of living a healthier life.
But don’t these conditions run in the family?
If you have a history of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes or kidney disease in your family then you may be more at risk. Taking action now can help you to prevent the onset of these conditions.
I know what I’m doing wrong. How can a health professional help me?
If you would like help, we will work with you to find ways for you to eat healthily, reach your healthy weight, be more active, cut down your drinking or stop smoking.
If I am assessed as being at ‘low risk’, does this mean I won’t develop these conditions?
It is impossible to say that someone will or won’t go on to develop one of these conditions. But taking action now can help you lower your potential risk.
Will everyone have this check?
This check is part of a national scheme to help prevent the onset of these health problems. Everyone between the ages of 40 and 74 who has not been diagnosed with the conditions below will be invited for a check once every five years, if we haven't invited you yet please contact us. If you are outside the age range and concerned about your health, you should contact us.
The check is not for you if you have any of the following pre-existing conditions:
- heart disease
- chronic kidney disease
- diabetes
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- atrial fibrillation
- transient ischaemic attack
- inherited high cholesterol (familial hypercholesterolemia)
- heart failure
- peripheral arterial disease
- stroke
- currently being prescribed medicines such as statins to lower cholesterol
- previous checks have found that you have a 20% or higher risk of getting cardiovascular disease over the next 10 years
Aged between 65-74 years?
Dementia -Helping your brain to stay healthy
The NHS wants to help keep people healthy. This could lower your chances of getting dementia – symptoms caused by serious brain disease.
Many people don’t know that what they do every day can help keep a healthy brain. The good news is that it’s never too late to act.
What is dementia?
Dementia affects the way the brain normally works. This makes it difficult to do every-day activities. For example, people who have dementia often forget things or get confused.
There are different types of dementia. All of them interfere with daily life. And all of them get worse over time. Alzheimer’s disease is one type of dementia. Dementia affects about 850,000 people in the UK. This is as much as the entire population of Liverpool and Manchester.
Most older people do not get dementia. But those people who are affected are usually over 65. It cannot be cured but you can reduce your chances of getting dementia. Even if someone has dementia, they can take action to lessen the symptoms.
Myths about dementia
Myth 1: Dementia is inevitable. If you are going to get it there is nothing you can do.
Fact: Dementia is not inevitable. You can act every day to reduce your chances of getting dementia. Some of the things you can do are described later.
Myth 2: Dementia is inherited from your parents.
Fact: Dementia is only inherited in a very small number of cases. Most dementia is not inherited.
Myth 3: Alzheimer’s and dementia are the same thing
Fact: Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. About two out of every three people with dementia have Alzheimer’s.
Myth 4: You don’t need to do physical exercises as long as you do crosswords and Sudoku
Fact: It is always good to stimulate your mind and your memory. But we know that a healthy lifestyle is the best way to reduce your chance of getting dementia.
The symptoms of dementia
- Forgetfulness. For example, trouble remembering what has happened recently or recognising familiar people and places.
- Problems planning and doing tasks you used to do easily. For example, dealing with money, following a cooking recipe or writing a letter.
- Feeling confused even in a familiar place.
- Finding it hard to follow conversations and losing the thread of what you were saying.
- Trouble controlling your mood or behaviour. For example, feeling depressed, agitated or irritable.
If you have these symptoms it may not mean that you have dementia. Other things can cause the same symptoms. Whatever the cause, it is best to speak to a professional. Make an appointment with your doctor or contact the Alzheimer’s Society for more information.
Reducing your risk of dementia
Your memory and your ability to think and communicate all depend on your brain. By keeping a healthy brain you can reduce your chance of getting dementia. The recommendations below will help to keep your brain active and healthy.
Be physically active
Being physically active will help reduce your risk of dementia. It will improve how well you feel. And it will help to keep your heart, bones and muscles healthy. Aim to be active every day for 10 minutes or more. Try not to sit for long periods.
Look for small ways to add more movement to your daily life
Get off the bus one stop early and walk. Walk short distances rather than take the car. Walk your dog for longer. Take the stairs not the lift. Use your bike to get around.
If you have mobility problems
Walk short distances and build up to longer ones. Use a suitable bike. Do chair exercises. Go swimming. Do some housework. Work in your garden. Play with your grandchildren.
Eat healthily and maintain a healthy weight
A healthy diet will help reduce some forms of dementia. Unhealthy eating and being overweight can affect the blood supply to your brain. And this can affect your thinking.
Aim to eat less sugar and salt. The fat in sausages and processed meats, butter and cakes can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems linked to dementia. Try to eat less of these foods, less fried food and less sugary sweets and drinks. And eat more oily fish like salmon and sardines and more fruit and vegetables.
Don’t drink too much alcohol
There are no safe levels for drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol can harm your brain. Drinking at high levels over time can also cause alcohol-related brain damage.
If you choose to drink:
- Men and women are advised not to regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week (6 pints of beer or glasses of wine).
- Spread your drinking over three days or more if you drink as much as 14 units a week.
The more you drink above these amounts, the more chance you have of harming your brain.
Give up smoking
Smoking almost doubles your chance of getting dementia. Smoking is very harmful to the heart, lungs and circulation of your blood. This can affect the blood vessels in the brain. By giving up smoking you can reduce the risk of dementia.
It’s never too late to give up smoking. People who quit aged 60 can add three years to their life.
There are trained advisors who can provide information and support to help you to stop smoking. Contact smokefreehampshire.co.uk or call 01264 563039 or 0800 772 3649 Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm.Email – hello@smokefreehampshire.co.uk
Connect with people around you
Staying mentally and socially active will improve your personal wellbeing. It could also help to improve your chances of delaying or avoiding dementia.
Keeping mentally active by learning new skills or joining clubs can also be a good way to connect with other people and improve mental wellbeing. You could play Scrabble, cards or bingo, do puzzles, help your grandchildren with their homework, join a quiz or darts team.
Managing your health
Some people may already have a health condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes. To reduce your chance of developing dementia it is really important to manage your health by taking the medicines you’ve been prescribed.
Find out more
Alzheimer’s Society
Phone: 0300 222 11 22
Email: helpline@alzheimers.org.uk
Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk
You can also find out more about reducing the risk of dementia from Alzheimer’s Research UK in the at: www.alzheimersresearchuk.org