Hilary decided it was time to have her NHS Health Check to get a better understanding of her current health. During the NHS Health Check, it was found that Hilary’s blood pressure, BMI and cholesterol were all raised, indicating an increased risk of developing more serious cardiovascular disease.  Hilary was referred to her GP and signposted to Slimming World for help with weight loss.

An NHS Health Check takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete by one of our Health Check Practitioners. It can tell you whether you're at higher risk of getting certain health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and stroke. This is done through some simple questions, measurements and tests performed to work out your risk score.

Hilary’s GP prescribed medication to help lower her blood pressure, but this wasn’t the right medication for her. She was admitted to hospital, where a heart condition was discovered and was discharged with a medication more suitable for her.

Hilary was determined to make some changes to her lifestyle and would start by trying to lose weight.  She successfully completed the 12-week Slimming World programme and lost an incredible 1.5 stone.

“I feel much better now I am on the correct medication have lost weight. I feel I have been given a new lease of life with lots more energy. I have now joined the gym to increase activity levels!”

As well as her weight loss, Hilary has decreased her blood pressure and cholesterol to normal levels.

“I had been not feeling great for quite a while and just put it down to getting older and being unfit, so I took no notice for a long time.  I booked an NHS health check with Norfolk NHS Health Checks and as it turned out, it saved my life!  If I continued to ignore my health, I would have collapsed at home and not been here to tell the tale.  Thank you, Reed Wellbeing!"

Reed Wellbeing are providing the Norfolk NHS Health Checks service on behalf of Norfolk County Council. The service is designed to help 36,000 residents in the area to have their NHS Health Check

If you are eligible and would like to book an NHS Health Check click here or call 0808 175 0413