Health checks on the high street in Littlehampton
Monday 1st August, 2011
People in Littlehampton are being given the chance to take a free assessment which could add years to their life while they are out doing their shopping in town.
Health advisors are offering free NHS Health Checks on Thursday 4th August at a special drop-in clinic on Beach Road in Littlehampton.
An easy way to keep a check on your health
NHS Health Checks focus on preventing major causes of illness, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease. These conditions are often avoidable and manageable, and a health check could help flag up any potential issues before they become a problem.
Anyone aged between 40 and 74, who doesn't have an existing long term health condition, can call in to the special clinic to receive their free health check.
The 20-minute free check-up assesses people’s risk of developing these serious conditions – so people can make lifestyle changes now to improve their health for the future.
Take the opportunity today
Karen Davies, NHS Health Check lead at NHS West Sussex, said: “The NHS Health Check is a great opportunity to make sure that you don't have any underlying problems which could impact on your health.
“It is such a quick and simple check and it could add years to your life.
“People should not be worried about coming to the clinic. If the Health Check does highlight any potential problems then you'll be offered plenty of advice and support to help you address them.”
The check itself takes around 20 minutes, and will include a blood pressure check, a finger prick blood test and a discussion about family history, smoking status, age and ethnicity, and levels of physical activity.
Investing in your future and your health
NHS Health Checks are a national programme.
They are being run as a pilot across West Sussex at participating GP practices and pharmacies.
The checks are being carried out by specialist Health Advisors within the Prevention Assessment Team run by West Sussex County Council and Sussex Community NHS Trust.
Karen continued: “People who are registered with one of the participating GP practices and are eligible for the health check are already inviting in, or to their local participating pharmacy, but now we are making it even easier by offering the service in a community venue.
“We know that heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease are all major causes of illness for people in West Sussex.
"A Health Check is an investment in your future, not to mention a chance to get some peace of mind about your health, so we would encourage everyone eligible to take up the opportunity.”
The NHS Health Check drop-in clinic can be found at the Arun Ideas shop, 10 Beach Road, Littlehampton, BN17 5HT. It is open 10am-4pm Thursday 4 August.
