CHECKING
Want to look after your health?
If you're aged 40 to 74 you may be eligible for a free NHS Health Check.
It's a great way to check your health and get personalised advice on keeping yourself healthy and active. Think of it as your health MOT.
What is an NHS Health Check?
Your NHS Health Check is to make sure some of your body's most important systems are all running smoothly and it helps to spot any potential problems before they cause real damage.
Your blood pressure, cholesterol and BMI will all be checked and your results given to you. The check is free of charge, including any follow-up tests or appointments.
Blood pressure
Blood pressure is a measure of the force that your heart uses to pump blood around your body. If your blood pressure is high it increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. High blood pressure is quite common and often has no symptoms. The only way to know if you have it is to have your blood pressure checked.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that helps your body function normally. It's mainly made by the liver, but can also be found in some foods. Having an excessively high level of cholesterol in your blood can have an effect on your health, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke.
BMI
BMI (body mass index) is a measure that adults can use to see if they are a healthy weight for their height. For most adults, an ideal BMI is between 18 and 25. If your BMI is over 25, you weigh more than is ideal for your height. People with an overweight BMI are at greater risk of a range of serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.
Why is an NHS Health Check important?
As we get older, we have a higher risk of high blood pressure, heart disease or type 2 diabetes.
Your NHS Health Check can spot the early signs of these and help prevent them.
More time with your loved ones
By attending your NHS Health Check and making healthy changes, you're more likely to live longer and have more quality time with your family and your friends.
Live independently for longer
By looking after your health, you'll be less likely to need extra support from other people, including your family. This means you'll be able to take care of yourself in your own home for longer. If you become unwell, the quality of your day-to-day life will be affected.
Staying happy
Keeping healthy is good for your emotional wellbeing as well as your body. Being unwell can mean you're unable to do the things you love and make you happy, like seeing friends or taking part in activities or hobbies.
Do something now
If you're over 40 and don’t have a pre-existing health condition, your GP or local authority will invite you for your free NHS Health Check.
Don't worry if you haven't got your invitation, there are other ways to get your health checked. There are also online interactive tools and self-assessments.
Find out more about NHS Health Check
If you're eligible for an NHS Health Check, don't miss out on the chance to have one. Find out more about what happens at an NHS Health Check and what your results could mean for you.
Check your health
There are many online tools to help you assess your health.Take the heart age test to see how healthy your heart is, check your BMI, and find out if you are at risk of type 2 diabetes. Local pharmacies also offer a range of free health check services.
Look after yourself
You don't have to wait until your NHS Health Check appointment to make healthy changes to your life. There's a lot you can do now to help reduce your risk. Try to be more active, eat a healthy and balanced diet, stop smoking, cut down on drinking and stay a healthy weight.
Other Health Information
Are you feeling stressed?
Stress can affect how you feel, think, behave and how your body works - from how well you sleep to your immune system and long-term stress puts your health at risk. You can take some simple steps to stress less.
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