Devon residents to be offered free health checks

Devon County Council is rolling out a programme of health checks for almost 50,000 Devon residents aged between 40 and 74.

The NHS health checks are part of a programme aimed at early detection and reduction of some of the most common lifestyle-related conditions including heart, liver and kidney disease.

The check will initially be offered by GP surgeries, but over time may also be offered at other venues in communities across the county.

Cllr Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:  “Everyone is at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and some forms of dementia. The good news is that these conditions can often be prevented even if you have a family history of them. They can also be managed more effectively if identified early.

“These health checks can help by assessing people’s risk of developing these health problems and giving personalised advice and support on how to reduce the risk and manage any issues identified.

“You don’t need to do anything to arrange them – invitations will be sent to everyone eligible throughout the course of the five-year programme.  I hope that people will use this opportunity to take up their health check, which is a really important way to protect their long-term health and wellbeing.”

The health check which takes around 20-30 minutes, involves a few simple questions including family history and personal and lifestyle information, followed by some straightforward health tests such as blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as a healthy weight check.

These tests will allow an assessment of the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease.

If necessary, treatments can be offered that will help with conditions like lowering raised blood pressure.

Devon’s Director of Public Health, Dr Virginia Pearson, said:  “Health checks form an important part of our overall responsibility for improving health in Devon and are also a national priority.

“An NHS health check offers an opportunity for residents to think about their own health and whether they need to make lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease. There will also be support provided where people need it and feel they want to adopt a healthier lifestyle.”

As part of the council’s on-going campaign, the checks will also provide information on dementia detailing how to reduce the risk of developing and what services are available.