Health MOTs ‘could save hundreds of lives’
Health ‘MOTs’ that could save hundreds of lives a year will be offered to all over 40s in the UK from this week.
The national programme of NHS health checks should reduce heart attacks, strokes and diabetes as part of a drive towards a more preventative health service.
Everyone aged 40 to 74 will be invited for the check-up, which was announced by the health secretary Alan Johnson over the weekend.
Speaking about the programme, Mr Johnson said: "The national programme of Health Checks could save 650 lives a year and reduce the health inequalities that blight the lives of the country’s most deprived families."
The checks will include asking general questions about the patient’s lifestyle, taking height and weight measurements and a blood sample.
Doctors will then make recommendations to the patient on what can be done to reduce their risk of a number of diseases.
Mostly the checks will be run from GP surgeries, pharmacies and walk-in health centres but could also be offered in supermarkets.
The Insurance Helpline specialises in obtaining cover for people living with medical conditions.
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