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Minority take up 'life-saving' free health check | Minority take up 'life-saving' free health check |
(about 1 hour 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' |
Some people told the BBC the check had been time consuming. | |
Anna Oxbury, from Cheltenham, said she had to go to her local hospital for the blood testing part of the check because her GP practice was unable to do it. | |
She said: "I'm self-employed and reckon the 'free' health check, which meant three separate visits to practice and hospital, cost me over £100 in lost work time. | |
"My husband has an important job and could only make time for the check if he took a half-day holiday. That's why he won't do it." | |
However, David, from Hampshire, said the check "probably saved his life". | |
A letter for the appointment went out to him in October after he turned 50. | |
The blood test revealed he had developed diabetes - thought to be the type-2 version of the condition - and his GP was concerned enough about the results to send him to the hospital for further tests. | |
There they found he was severely dehydrated and had to give him three and a half litres of saline to rehydrate him. | |
"That routine test probably saved my life," he said. | |
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. |