36,000 new NHS Health Check appointments are available to Norfolk residents from today.

The NHS Health Check is an important step for many people towards improving their health and becoming more aware of what they can do to lead a healthier life.

The quick and simple check can help you lower your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes and some types of dementia.

Anyone between the ages of 40 and 74, who does not have a pre-existing specified condition, can have a free NHS Health Check every five years. You could be one of 263,000 people in Norfolk who are currently eligible for an appointment.

What happens during an NHS Health Check?

At the NHS Health Check you will receive an overview of your risk of cardiovascular disease risk.

Simple questions relating to your family history and lifestyle habits are asked. Tests are made on your blood pressure, pulse rhythm, cholesterol and blood glucose. BMI and waist circumference measurements are also taken. This information is inserted into an online engine to predict your individual risk.

If you score as high risk, you will be referred to your GP/clinician for further support. If you score as medium risk we can help refer you to local lifestyle management services. If you score as low risk we can give you general lifestyle advice.

Improve your own health and quality of life

Cllr Bill Borrett, Cabinet member for Public Health at Norfolk County Council said:

“Health Checks are really important, I encourage anyone who receives an invitation from their GP to take up the offer as soon as possible. Booking your NHS Health Check is easy and it’s a good opportunity to highlight any areas you may be at risk from and understand what you can also do to improve your own health and quality of life.”

Christine Lunn, Health & Wellbeing Manager at Reed Wellbeing, said:

“It is really important that people come forward to take up the opportunity of their free NHS Health Check. It’s so quick and simple.

“Often the advice given after an NHS Health Check is simple and sustainable changes that can have a big impact on your risk of developing cardiovascular disease conditions.

“We are really looking forward to seeing people out and about across Norfolk and taking up the opportunity to get their mid-life MOT done!”

Where to get your NHS Health Check

Most people will get an invite from their GP and will book in with the local service.

Some people may not be offered this service by their GP or might want to have a check somewhere more convenient to them.

Appointments are available in a range of locations across Norfolk in easy to find and access places.

To check your eligibility find your nearest available slot, click here. You can also call 0808 175 0413 to speak to the booking team.