The Lib Dem-run Sutton Council is encouraging local residents aged 40-74 year-olds to take free NHS health checks and help prevent serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.
Sutton residents aged 40-70 years old can get a free health check at their local GP surgeries, walk in clinics and hospitals. The health check include assessments of test results including blood pressure, cholesterol and body mass index (BMI), as well as personalised advice to improve general health.
Lib Dem Councillor Colin Stears, Chair of Adult Social Services and Health Committee, said:
“This is a chance for Sutton residents to start the New Year off on the right foot and find out vital information about their health. If there is a potential problem, they can then take action at an early stage to help reduce the chances of chronic illness, disability or avoidable death in later life. To find out more, people should call or visit their GP surgery or contact a local health professional.”
It is estimated that more than 650 lives a year could be saved if more of the NHS Health Checks were taken up throughout England. The checks can identify problems earlier and prevent an estimated 1,600 heart attacks and 4,000 cases of diabetes a year.
The NHS Health Check programme aims to help prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and certain types of dementia. Everyone between the ages of 40 and 74, who has not already been diagnosed with one of these conditions or have certain risk factors, will be invited (once every five years) to have a check to assess their risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes and will be given support and advice to help them reduce or manage that risk.