Book your Free Boston Primary Care Network NHS Health Check.
You can have an NHS Health Check if you're aged 40 to 74 and you have not had a stroke, or do not already have a pre-existing health condition. Even if you’re feeling well, it’s worth having your NHS Health Check now. We can then work with you to lower your chances of developing health problems in the future.
How do I get an NHS Health Check?
Because the NHS Health Check programme is run by local authorities, you can book your health check by contacting your registered GP practice.
On the day of your NHS Health Check
Your NHS Health Check will be done by a healthcare professional. This will usually be a nurse, but it could also be a doctor, pharmacist or healthcare assistant. The check takes about 20 to 30 minutes. There will be questions, measurements and tests.
You'll be asked some simple questions, including:
- whether any of your close relatives have had the illnesses being checked for
- if and how much you smoke
- how much alcohol you drink, if any
- how much physical activity you do
Your weight and height will be measured to work out if you are a healthy weight for your height.
Your waist may also be measured using a tape measure.
Your age, gender and ethnicity will be recorded.
Your blood pressure will be taken using a cuff fitted over your upper arm – find out what happens during a blood pressure test. Your pulse should be taken too.
You will either have a blood test before or at the check. You may also have a small sample of blood taken from your finger during the appointment to check your cholesterol level and possibly also your blood sugar level.
Getting your results
You'll usually be told your NHS Health Check results during the appointment.
You'll be given a cardiovascular disease risk score, which is an estimate of how likely you are to get heart disease or have a stroke in the next 10 years. You'll also find out your possible risk of developing kidney disease and diabetes.
The higher your risk score, the more likely you are to develop one of these illnesses.
Depending on your score, you'll be given advice about how to lower your risk with lifestyle changes.
This could include talking about how to:
You may also be referred to local services, such as stop smoking and physical activity services, to help you make any changes.
If you're over 65, you'll also be told the signs and symptoms of dementia to look out for.
Useful Links
If you would like more information you can view the NHS Health Check leaflet by clicking on the box link below.
