FREE HEALTH CHECKS FOR BRIGG PEOPLE

North Lincolnshire Council's Public Health team is encouraging residents in North Lincolnshire between 40 and 74 years-old to keep their body in check by taking advantage of the NHS free health checks on offer. This includes many living in Brigg.

Everyone is at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes or kidney disease. However, the good news is that these conditions can often be prevented – even if you have a history of them in your family.

Public Health has set up free NHS health checks across numerous locations throughout the year helping you be better prepared for the future and be able to take steps to maintain or improve your health.

The risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type two diabetes and kidney disease increases with age. There are also certain things that will put you at greater risk, they are:

• Being overweight
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking
• 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. Even if you are feeling well, it is worth having a NHS health check now. The team can then work with you to lower your chances of developing these problems in the future.

The health check assesses your risk of developing type-two diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease and stroke. It will take about 20 to 30 minutes and you will be asked some simple questions. For example about your family history and any medication you are currently taking.

They health checks team will record your height, weight, age, sex and ethnicity. As well as take your blood pressure and pulse, do a blood test and check your cholesterol level.

They will discuss how you can be supported to reduce your risk and stay healthy. You will be taken through your results and told what they mean, and given personalised advice on how to lower your risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Frances Cunning, Director of Public Health at North Lincolnshire Council, said:

“It is important that people keep a close eye on their health as the majority of time, these conditions can be prevented. Don’t let it get too late, be proactive about your health and wellbeing. The health checks will only take about 30 minutes of your time and could ensure you have a healthy lifestyle for years to come. We have plenty of sessions planned throughout the year, so make sure you book an appointment and get your health checked.”

The next health checks are on:

• Tuesday 29 July at North Lincolnshire Central Library, Scunthorpe, from 10am to 4pm
• Friday 1 August At Epworth Clinic, Moorland Way, Epworth, from 10am to 4pm
• Tuesday 5 August at Ashby Local Link in the presentation room from 10am to 4pm
• Tuesday 12 August at Providence House, Barton, in the Winteringham Room from 10am to 4pm
• Tuesday 19 August at Ancholme Leisure Centre, just outside Brigg, from 10am to 4pm
• Thursday 31 July at Ironstone Centre, West Street, Scunthorpe, from 10am to 4pm
• Wednesday 6 August at Ongo Fun Day, Manor Park, Burringham Road, Scunthorpe, from 11am to 3.30pm
• Thursday 7 August at Brigg Wellbeing Hub, Horstead Avenue, Brigg, from 10am to 4pm
• Thursday 21 August at Westcliff Fun Day, Westcliff Drop-in centre, from 10am to 3pm
• Thursday 4 September at Community Wellbeing Hub, Alvingham Road, Scunthorpe, from 10am to 4pm

To book your place at any of the above health check sessions call 01724 292170. You can drop-into any of the sessions, but there will be a wait.

People can only have a check carried out if they don’t have any of the following conditions and haven’t had an NHS health check in the last five years:

• Diabetes
• Coronary heart disease or previous heart attacks
• Stroke or mini stroke
• Chronic kidney disease
• Peripheral arterial disease and Atrial Fibrillation (AF)
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol

For more information about the NHS health checks, visit: www.northlincs.gov.uk/people-health-and-care/health-and-healthy-lifestyle/free-nhs-health-check/.