Residents aged over 40 are urged to take up the offer of a free NHS Health Check which could help people live longer and have a healthier life.

The national NHS Health Checks Programme finds out people’s risk of heart disease and diabetes.

It offers advice and support on healthy lifestyles that can help people decrease their risk of health problems and also ensures treatment is provided if a health issue is found through the NHS Health Check.

Cambridgeshire County Council commissions the programme in Cambridgeshire and it is mostly offered by GPs. If you are eligible for a Health Check you will be invited by your GP every five years. They are free, take about 20 minutes and are for people aged between 40 and 74 without a known ongoing illnesses. Val Thomas, Consultant in Public Health at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “I’d urge everyone between 40 and 74 to accept an invitation from their GP to have their free NHS Health Check – they only take a short amount of time and can help you live a longer and healthier life.

“Around 300 people die of cardiovascular disease every year and is still the biggest killer in Cambridgeshire of people between 40 and 74. Many of these cases could have been prevented if they had attended a free NHS Health Check and changed their lifestyle.

“There is help and support on hand for those wanting to improve their lifestyle to improve their health which could be eating more healthily, being more physically active or cutting down on alcohol.”

If you want more information about the NHS Health Checks programme ask your GP or go to www.healthcheck.nhs.uk