NHS Health Checks is a new nationally approved programme for people aged 40-74, to help prevent the onset of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease and is being offered by most GP practices in Suffolk.

Lynda Bradford, NHS Suffolk’s head of health improvement said: "If you receive a letter from your GP practice asking to make an appointment for a check-up, I would urge you to take up this opportunity.

"The check takes 20-30 minutes and consists of some simple questions about lifestyle, taking measurements such as weight, height and blood pressure and a blood test to check cholesterol. After the check people can discuss the results with a health professional, get advice on how to improve their lifestyle and, if necessary, get treatment to keep them in good health."

"Over 9000 people had checks carried out in GP practices last year and patients who have had a check have told us that the free personalised advice about what they can do to stay healthy is very useful and helps them make decisions about how to change their lives for the better."

If your GP practice does not offer NHS Health Checks yet or you are unable to attend your practice there are a number of community services available during February and March where you can just drop in to see a nurse who will give you a check on the spot. The checks are available to people aged 40 – 74 who are registered with a GP practice in Suffolk.

Dates and venues are shown below: