Birmingham men urged not to miss out on FREE health MOT

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A growing number of Brummies are signing-up for a FREE health MOT that can identify the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.

But thousands of men across the city who are eligible for an NHS Health Check  are still missing out, with figures showing women are more likely to accept the offer.

Around 90,000 Brummies have attended an NHS Health Check in the last three years. And, while delivery of the free checks is higher in Birmingham than in most other parts of the country, men are trailing behind their female counterparts.

  • 62.1 per cent of women offered a check take up the offer.
  • But just 50.6 per cent of men accept the invitation.

And after Public Health England launched ‘One You’ a campaign aimed at encouraging middle-aged people to lead healthier lifestyles, Birmingham Director of Public Health Dr Adrian Phillips is keen to get more men signed up.

He said: “The continued success of the NHS Health Check scheme in Birmingham is very encouraging and we’re determined to build on that success.

“This is a free service that everyone aged 40-74 is entitled to so I would urge men across the city not to miss out. You remember to service the car or the boiler, so don’t neglect your own MOT.

“Through the NHS Health Check programme, thousands of people in Birmingham have been offered practical advice to reduce the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, stroke and certain types of dementia.

“My advice to anyone who is eligible – male or female – is don’t miss out. You’re entitled to this service, so speak to your GP as soon as possible.”

Figures for 2013 onwards show that Birmingham has out-performed the regional and national average for the checks, which are offered to people aged between 40 and 74 years.

  • 66 per cent of eligible people in the city have been invited to attend for an NHS Health Check since 2013. This compares to 47.52 per cent nationally.
  • An impressive 53.65 per cent of people accepted the offer of an NHS Health Check compared to 48.15 per cent nationally.

That means that 85,289 people across Birmingham have now attended an NHS Health Check to assess their risk of developing conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Everyone attending received lifestyle advice.

NHS Health Check and you

The NHS Health Check is for adults in England between the ages of 40 and 74. It will give you and your GP a clearer picture of your health, and help you take action to reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease.

Why do I need an NHS Health Check?

Everyone has a chance of developing heart disease, stroke, kidney disease or type 2 diabetes. NHS Health Check will help you and your GP or health professional to identify your risk earlier. You’ll then be given advice on what action you can take to lower your risk and improve your chances of a healthier life. For example, making changes to your diet or becoming more active.

How do I get an NHS Health Check?

From April 2013, responsibility for the NHS Health Check programme moved to your local authority, which will invite anyone who is eligible to have a check over a five-year rolling cycle. That means everyone aged between 40 and 74 who hasn’t already been diagnosed with any of the conditions mentioned above will be invited for an NHS Health Check.

The check is likely to be offered in GP surgeries and local pharmacies. They may also be offered at other suitable and accessible locations in your community.

In the meantime, if you’re worried about your health, don’t wait for your NHS Health Check. Contact your GP in the usual way.

What happens at my NHS Health Check?

A few, straightforward health tests, followed by a discussion of your results.

What happens after my check?

Following your first check, you’ll be invited for another check every five years until you’re over 74. If you’re diagnosed with heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or have a stroke after your first or any subsequent NHS Health Check, your condition will be managed as usual and there will be no need for further checks. If your GP offers you any medical treatments after your NHS Health Check, such as medicines to lower your blood pressure, your progress on those medicines will be monitored by your GP.

 

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