This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Make free NHS health check a priority
Fewer than half of those eligible for a free, routine NHS health check have taken up the offer, NHS England has reported.
Freely available to everyone over the age of 40, doctors claim the check-up, which takes approximately 20 minutes and is carried out by a GP or nurse, can detect heart problems earlier and help prevent dementia. NHS England also states that the programme also can spot conditions such as kidney disease and type 2 diabates.
With fewer than half of the 15 million eligible to take the test having done so to date, Alistair Burns, National Clinical Director for Dementia and Older People’s Mental Health for NHS England, has now urged those who have made or are planning to make a New Years Resolution to take up a free health check. He claims that, for every two per cent reduction in the number of people experiencing stroke or heart problems, there are alround 10,000 fewer dementia cases later in life.
Burns said: “Heart disease and dementia are two of the biggest health risks facing people in our country and the national health check will help stop both.
“Attending a free NHS health check is a great opportunity to discuss existing health conditions, and to work out how to reduce the risk of developing dementia and other illness in the future. The start of a new year is exactly the right time to resolve commit to taking a simple, free and potentially life-saving step towards a healthier life.”
Everyone aged between 40 and 74 with no pre-existing health conditions is invited automatically for their free NHS health check, which takes place every five years.
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