Join the Buckinghamshire Public Health team in support of Healthy Heart Month

They'll be at the Healthwatch Bucks’ roadshow on Monday 24 February in Aylesbury. Come along and have your say on health services in Buckinghamshire with Healthwatch and have the opportunity to have your blood pressure checked. Be Healthy Bucks will be on-hand to provide NHS Health Checks to eligible Bucks residents.

The risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia all increase with age. NHS Health Checks are designed to spot early signs of these serious conditions and give you personalised advice so you can lower your risk of serious health problems and enjoy a healthier life for longer.

Angela Macpherson, Buckinghamshire Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing, said:

“For various reasons many of us put off seeing a doctor. The NHS Health Check is a quick and easy way for people over 40 to get a much-needed health MOT. If you are found to be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease or dementia later in life, you will be given advice on what you can do to lower that risk.

“We’re particularly encouraging men in their 40s and 50s to book themselves a 20-minute NHS Health Check, as from our experience, they are less likely to see a doctor until they are worried. Even at 40 years old, it isn’t too young to detect health problems that often come without symptoms in the early stages and take control of your health.

“We promise there’ll be no lectures. Just a few straightforward checks, clear results, and advice on the simple changes you can make now to safeguard your future health, all within 20-30 minutes.”

The NHS Health Check is a free check-up of your overall health. It can tell you whether you're at higher risk of getting certain health problems, such as:

• heart disease
• diabetes
• kidney disease
• stroke

During the check-up you'll also discuss how to reduce your risk of these conditions including dementia. If you're over 65, you will be told what signs and symptoms of dementia to look out for.

The NHS Health Check takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The health professional will ask you some questions about your lifestyle and family history, measure your height and weight, take your blood pressure and do a cholesterol test.

The check is for people who are aged 40-74 who do not already have conditions relating to their heart or circulation (cardiovascular conditions), and who haven’t had a check in the last five years.

Regular NHS Health Checks also take plat at:

- Chesham Library on Mondays from 9:30am to 5pm
- Unit 33, Friars Square, Aylesbury on Wednesdays from 8am to 4pm
- Wycombe Leisure Centre on Thursdays from 10am to 6pm

Find out more at buckinghamshire.gov.uk/nhs-health-check