Free health check for over 40s

South Glos Council is encouraging everyone aged between 40 and 74 who has been invited to a free health check to take up the offer.

The aim is to help early diagnosis and the best treatment for high risk conditions including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and certain types of dementia, as well as reducing the risk of having a stroke. Anyone can be at risk of developing these vascular diseases, but the good news is that these conditions can often be prevented – even if you have a history of them in your family.

Nearly 40,000 people have had a NHS Health Check in South Gloucestershire since 2013. Everyone between the ages of 40 and 74, who has not already been diagnosed with one of these conditions or is otherwise ineligible, is invited to have a free NHS Health Check once every five years.

The check only takes around 20 minutes and will involve answering some simple questions about your family history and lifestyle choices along with a blood pressure test and an instant blood test to check your cholesterol level. The results will be discussed with you and further advice and support will be provided if needed. Additional tests and referral to your GP may also follow if required.

For more information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/nhshealthcheck or ask at your GP surgery.