Before attending a Norfolk NHS Health Check, Jane was aware that there were areas of their lifestyle that could be improved, particularly their diet. Working in a busy and often stressful environment made it difficult to prioritise healthy eating, and they regularly consumed foods high in saturated fat and sugar. Although there was some awareness that lifestyle changes might be needed, the Health Check provided an important opportunity to gain a clearer picture of their overall health and identify potential risks early.

“I kept receiving text reminders about booking a Health Check and eventually decided that I needed to take the opportunity and find out where my health was at. I knew my diet could be improved. I ate a lot of foods high in saturated fat, including fatty cuts of meat, cakes and biscuits, and although I knew I could make healthier choices, I hadn't really taken action.”

Norfolk NHS Health Checks are designed to help people better understand their current health and identify any potential risks before they become more serious. Through a series of health measurements and personalised advice, participants receive information and support to help them improve their lifestyle, make informed decisions about their wellbeing and reduce their risk of conditions such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.

“With a busy and stressful workplace, it was often easier to grab convenient foods rather than think about long-term health goals. Before attending, I expected to be told that I needed to lose weight and improve my diet, but I didn't expect some of the results that came from the Health Check.”

“Following the appointment, I discovered that my blood sugar level was in the diabetes range. Although it wasn't a complete surprise because my mother has Type 2 diabetes and my BMI is high, it was still a wake-up call. I had also noticed that I had been excessively thirsty recently, which I knew could be a sign of diabetes. In addition, my cholesterol level was elevated, although I was reassured that with healthier eating habits and more cardiovascular activity, this was something I could improve.”

“The Health Check gave me the information I needed to start taking action. I am planning to self-refer to either Slimming World or Your Health Norfolk and will choose the option that best suits my lifestyle and goals. I am also making a conscious effort to reduce the amount of saturated fat and sugar in my diet. Although my job is physically active, I plan to increase my exercise levels and make healthier choices more consistently.”

“Jen also referred me to my GP for a diabetes assessment and advised me to follow up if I didn't hear back. Having a clear plan and next steps helped me feel more in control of my health moving forward. I know there will be challenges. Workplace stress can sometimes make healthy choices more difficult, and working in a healthcare setting means there are often sweet treats available that can be tempting.”

“To help maintain a healthier lifestyle, I plan to attend weight management classes and adopt a healthier eating plan that I can stick to long term. My advice to anyone who is reluctant to have an NHS Health Check is simple: it takes very little time, but it could identify issues you didn't know existed. If I hadn't attended my appointment, I may not have discovered that I potentially have Type 2 diabetes until much later, which could have delayed treatment and increased my health risks.”

“The Health Check gave me valuable information, a clear understanding of where I need to make changes and the motivation to take positive steps towards improving my health for the future.”