If you are between 40 and 74 and live in England, you are entitled to a free NHS health check every five years. It takes about half an hour, it can be done at your GP surgery or at some pharmacies, and it is designed to spot problems years before they become serious.
Yet a large share of the people invited never take it up. Some never receive the letter. Some assume it is only for people who feel unwell. Some simply mean to book it and never do.
What the check actually covers
The check is a structured look at your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. A nurse or healthcare assistant will usually:
- Measure your height, weight and blood pressure
- Take a small blood sample to check your cholesterol, and in many cases your blood sugar
- Ask about your family history, smoking, alcohol and how active you are
You then get your results explained in plain terms, usually as a simple risk score, along with practical suggestions. If anything needs a closer look, you are referred on. If you are over 65, the appointment also includes information on spotting the early signs of dementia.
Why it matters more after 60
High blood pressure and raised cholesterol rarely announce themselves. Most people who have either feel completely fine. The first sign is too often the event everyone was trying to avoid. A half hour appointment that catches a creeping blood pressure problem at 62 is one of the best deals the NHS offers.
If you are in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
The scheme described above is the English one. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run their own prevention programmes, and your GP surgery can tell you what is available locally. The blood pressure and cholesterol checks themselves are available everywhere, you may just need to ask for them directly.
One small preparation tip
Wear a top with sleeves that roll up easily, and if your appointment letter asks you to fast beforehand, check what that means in practice when you book. Most checks need no preparation at all.