NHS Health Checks are available to all residents aged 40–74 years old who are registered with a Rotherham doctor.  A range of simple tests are carried out and a risk score is calculated of the likelihood of a patient suffering cardio vascular disease (stroke, heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease) within the next ten years.

The check takes 20-30 minutes and involves asking some simple questions about people's lifestyle, taking measurements such as weight, height and blood pressure and a blood test to check your cholesterol. After the check people can discuss the results with a health professional, get advice on how to improve their lifestyle and, if necessary, get treatment to keep them in good health.

The number of people dying from circulatory diseases under the age of 75 in Rotherham has fallen in the last 15 years, but it is still the leading cause for death in the borough.

One in six people will suffer a stroke during their lives but most are preventable.  It is thought that 85 per cent of stroke victims have risk factors that could have been managed through healthier lifestyles.

Tackling heart disease has been a key priority for NHS Rotherham for the past few years and the checks are offered to every eligible resident once every five years.

Sally Jenks, Public Health Specialist at NHS Rotherham, said: “Many premature deaths from heart disease can be prevented if people at a high risk are identified earlier. Leading a healthy, active lifestyle is also vital to help reduce your risk of cardio vascular disease. The easiest way to do this is to take part in physical activity, eat a healthy diet, limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking.  Awareness of other medical conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol is also important.”

Patients who haven’t yet had their NHS Health Check are advised to telephone their surgery book their appointment.

More information is available on the NHS website: http://www.nhs.uk/Planners/NHSHealthCheck/Pages/NHSHealthCheck.aspx