CHECK YOUR HEALTH AT BRIGG SESSION

A session is coming up in Brigg when local people will be able to get their blood pressure tested and obtain advice on general health and wellbeing. This is one of a number being held across the district.

FROM KIRSTY WESTFIELD, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

North Lincolnshire Council and North East Lincolnshire Council are backing the PHE Heart Age Campaign in September to raise awareness of the importance of making simple changes to your health.
The Heart Age Campaign 2018, aimed at 40 to 60 year-olds, launches on 4 September until 30 September.
The campaign aims to increase the understanding of the importance of knowing your heart age and blood pressure, and to ensure that as many adults as possible complete the Public Health England Heart Age Test and have their blood pressure checked.
Adults are encouraged to take a few minutes out of their day to get to know their heart age by taking the free online test. It asks physical and lifestyle related information, as well as blood pressure and cholesterol, and determines if someone’s heart is at a higher age than their actual age. To take the test, go to www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-health-check/check-your-heart-age-tool/
During September there will be a number of free drop-in sessions for people to have their blood pressure checked and get advice on their general health and wellbeing.

• The North Lincolnshire Healthy Lifestyle Service will be holding the drop-ins on:
• Tuesday 11 September, 10am to 12pm at Barton Community Wellbeing Hub
• Tuesday 11 September, 2pm to 4pm at Brigg Community Wellbeing Hub (off Horstead Avenue, Springbank estate) PICTURED BELOW
• Thursday 13 September, 1pm to 3pm at Epworth Community Wellbeing Hub
• Friday 14 September, 10am to 12pm at Scunthorpe Community Wellbeing Hub

Having a heart age older than your actual age means that you are at higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke; the main forms of cardiovascular disease, which is the second leading cause of death in England.
In North Lincolnshire, stroke is the third largest cause of death and the third largest single cause of severe disability. Each year between 250 and 300 people in North Lincolnshire will have a stroke, whilst an estimated 3,440 local residents are already living with the after effects of stroke, and are receiving treatment. The number of stroke survivors is rising each year.
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability.  Over the past five years, there has been an average of 265 hospital admissions for stroke per year in North East Lincolnshire.  An estimated 3,798 CCG patients are already living with the after effects of stroke, and 94 per cent of stroke patients have been treated with an anticoagulant in the past twelve months.  Recent trends show the number of stroke survivors is rising each year.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is the most important known risk factor for stroke, People who have high blood pressure are one and half time more at risk of having a stroke compared to those with consistently optimal blood pressure.
Cllr Richard Hannigan, cabinet member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Modern life can make it tricky to be healthy, but making positive lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke, whether this is through stopping smoking, making healthier food choices or increasing the level of physical activity that you do.
“We are urging anyone between the age of 40 and 60 to check their heart age. You can go along to one of the free sessions to have your blood pressure checked and get advice on your health and wellbeing. You can also take the online Heart Age Test.
“If you would like support and advice on making changes to improve your health and fitness, contact our Healthy Lifestyle Service.”
North Lincolnshire Council’s Healthy Lifestyle Service can help you to become healthier and offer a range of support. Visit them at Scunthorpe Central, call 01724 298212, email nlc.healthylifestyles@nhs.net or visit www.northlincs.gov.uk/people-health-and-care/health-and-healthy-lifestyle/nlhls
Councillor Jane Hyldon-King, portfolio holder for health and wellbeing at North East Lincolnshire Council, said:  “A healthy heart is the key to a healthy life, but often we forget to look after ourselves in this fast-moving world.
“The simple stuff like eating well and getting regular exercise are important in fighting off diabetes, heart disease and strokes.
“These free sessions put on by the council and Public Health England are a great opportunity for people to drop-in and get their blood pressure checked – a simple and easy test to spot early signs of a problem whilst there is still time to get help.”