NHS Health Checks

NHS Health Checks are provided free of charge to Kent residents aged 40 to 74 years old who have not previously been diagnosed with a long term condition, such as heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and high blood pressure. Adults who meet the eligibility criteria are advised to have a health check every 5 years.

A face to face consultation will take place with some questions and simple tests carried out to determine the risk of developing health issues in the future.

The questions include:

• age, gender, ethnicity
• details of past illnesses and those of close family members
• medications currently being prescribed
• lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity and diet
• The tests include
• blood pressure
• body mass index (BMI)
• blood test for cholesterol
• blood test for diabetes and or kidney disease (in those at risk)

After the health check is completed, the results will be discussed. Lifestyle advice is provided, for example on how to get help to give up smoking, to be more active, to lose weight, to eat healthily or to lower alcohol consumption. This may include a referral to other services. More information can be found on the NHS website.