This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-46701195
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Minority take up 'life-saving' free health check | Minority take up 'life-saving' free health check |
(about 7 hours later) | |
Fewer than half of people eligible for a NHS health check in England have taken up the offer, despite it being free to everyone over 40. | Fewer than half of people eligible for a NHS health check in England have taken up the offer, despite it being free to everyone over 40. |
The routine check can pick up heart problems early and help to prevent dementia, plus highlight the need to stop smoking, NHS England said. | The routine check can pick up heart problems early and help to prevent dementia, plus highlight the need to stop smoking, NHS England said. |
The check-up takes 20 minutes and is carried out by a GP or nurse. | The check-up takes 20 minutes and is carried out by a GP or nurse. |
It involves tests on blood pressure, weight and height, and is offered every five years up to the age of 74. | It involves tests on blood pressure, weight and height, and is offered every five years up to the age of 74. |
Around 7.15 million people have had a free health check since 2013, yet 15 million are eligible, NHS stats show. | Around 7.15 million people have had a free health check since 2013, yet 15 million are eligible, NHS stats show. |
NHS England said identifying people with an irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure and giving them treatment would help to prevent dangerous blood clots which could lead to strokes. | NHS England said identifying people with an irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure and giving them treatment would help to prevent dangerous blood clots which could lead to strokes. |
And if more people went for their health check, the number of people having a stroke or other heart problems would reduce, potentially preventing thousands of cases of vascular dementia. | And if more people went for their health check, the number of people having a stroke or other heart problems would reduce, potentially preventing thousands of cases of vascular dementia. |
Who can have an NHS health check? | Who can have an NHS health check? |
Anyone between the age of 40 and 74 who is generally healthy and doesn't already have any diseases. | Anyone between the age of 40 and 74 who is generally healthy and doesn't already have any diseases. |
You should automatically get an invitation through your GP surgery or local authority every five years. | You should automatically get an invitation through your GP surgery or local authority every five years. |
After the age of 74 you can request a health check-up from your GP or nurse. | After the age of 74 you can request a health check-up from your GP or nurse. |
What problems can they spot? | What problems can they spot? |
By checking blood pressure, family history, lifestyle, height and weight, it is possible to give an idea of your risk of getting heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and type 2 diabetes. | By checking blood pressure, family history, lifestyle, height and weight, it is possible to give an idea of your risk of getting heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and type 2 diabetes. |
Research shows that people with a history of heart diseases are at least twice as likely to develop vascular dementia. | Research shows that people with a history of heart diseases are at least twice as likely to develop vascular dementia. |
You will receive personalised advice on how to lower your risk of all those conditions, usually by: | You will receive personalised advice on how to lower your risk of all those conditions, usually by: |
If you are 65 or over, you will be told the signs and symptoms of dementia to look out for. | If you are 65 or over, you will be told the signs and symptoms of dementia to look out for. |
Why this could be a 'life-saving step' | Why this could be a 'life-saving step' |
Alistair Burns, national clinical director for dementia and older people's mental health for NHS England said: "Heart disease and dementia are two of the biggest health risks facing people in our country. | Alistair Burns, national clinical director for dementia and older people's mental health for NHS England said: "Heart disease and dementia are two of the biggest health risks facing people in our country. |
"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." | "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." |
He said the start of a new year was the right time to commit to "taking a simple, free and potentially life-saving step towards a healthier life". | He said the start of a new year was the right time to commit to "taking a simple, free and potentially life-saving step towards a healthier life". |
Public Health England said the check looked at the top causes of premature death and ill health and supported people to take action to reduce their risks. | Public Health England said the check looked at the top causes of premature death and ill health and supported people to take action to reduce their risks. |
Have you taken up NHS health checks for over-40s? Tell us about your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk | |
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways: | |
Or use the form below: |