Free Health Checks In Somerset

Somerset County Council has welcomed the move this week by the Rt. Hon Jeremy Hunt MP to help save lives by encouraging more people to take advantage of free NHS Health Checks.

The Secretary of State for Health was highlighting the free national preventative programme, led by Public Health England (PHE), rolled out to people aged 40 - 74 who are not currently being managed by their GP for an existing health condition. 

He added that lives could be saved, and rates of diabetes and heart attacks cut, if people simply attended their free NHS Health Check appointment when they received the invitation. 

During 2012-13 21,400 Somerset people were invited by their GP surgery for a free NHS Health Check with only just under half (10,200) accepting. 

Sharon Ashton, Programme Manager for NHS Health Checks in Somerset said: "When you receive an invitation from your GP for a free NHS Health Check, please make sure you book it. You will find out what your future health risks are and learn what lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce that risk and improve your quality of life. 

''Ninety per cent of the causes of cardiovascular disease (stroke, heart disease, diabetes and chronic kidney disease) are due to the long-term effects of your lifestyle. Small changes such as giving up smoking, watching what you eat and drink and exercise will reduce your chance of prematurely developing these serious illnesses.'' 

Councillor Christine Lawrence, Chair of the Somerset Health and Wellbeing Board said: ''I would like to see all 40 to 74 year olds taking up this potentially life-saving opportunity. It is completely free of charge and could lead to a longer, happier and healthier future.'' 

Find further information about the free NHS Health Check programme here. 

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qbHAq6tnm59jwqx70qiknqqjmsFwusSwqmikn5iurXvFq5yeZZiarq3Ax2aaoZ2ToMBuv86mnKurlal8