Get ready for the winter and get your health checked for free –that’s the advice coming from North Yorkshire County Council and health professionals across the county
The County Council is asking people aged 40 to 74 years to take up the offer of a free NHS Health Check. NHS Health Check invites adults aged 40 to 74 years – without previously diagnosed heart disease, diabetes or chronic kidney disease (CKD) – for a free health assessment to see if someone is at risk of serious, but potentially avoidable, conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and certain types of dementia.
County Councillor David Chance, portfolio holder for public health and stronger communities said:
During the cold weather there’s an increase in hospital admissions and deaths due to heart disease, so with the winter months just around the corner it’s a good time to take a few minutes to get your health checked out for free.
The NHS Health Check is one way people can help to keep well: it detects issues that could increase the risk of heart disease during winter and checks that some of your body’s most important systems are all running smoothly. Crucially, your NHS Health Check can detect potential problems early and allow you to put them right before they do real damage. Among other things, your blood pressure, cholesterol and BMI will all be properly checked.
Having an NHS Health Check is both quick and straightforward. Your GP will invite you to have one so please look out for the invite letter. It’s free of charge, including any follow-up tests or appointments.
The NHS Health Check interactive website provides information about what happens at the check, when and how to get one, and how to lower your risk.
For further information please visit www.nhs.uk/healthcheck You can also visit the Council’s website at www.northyorks.gov.uk/healthcheck or ask for more information at your GP surgery.
Cllr Chance said:
It’s also a good time to check out if you are eligible for a free flu jab. Flu jabs are available free of charge for people aged 65plus, anyone with a serious medical condition, and for people who are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person. Ask at your GP surgery or call into your local chemist to find out more.
And if you’ve started to think about preparing for winter it’s a good idea to check you’re warm enough at home. If your rooms are less than 17 degrees Celsius (63F) you may be putting yourself at risk this winter.
The County Council is also asking people to do what they can to help vulnerable family members and neighbours through the winter and is funding the new Rural Action Yorkshire Good Neighbour Scheme. Operated by volunteers, the scheme will offer rural residents help with household tasks, picking up prescriptions, giving a lift to the shops or the doctors or just providing some company.
