Thousands of East Sussex residents have taken advantage of potentially life-saving health checks, according to latest figures. The free NHS health check is a mid-life MOT, which aims to help prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease. Checks are offered to adults aged between 40 and 74.
A total of 14,569 people in East Sussex have had their health check so far this year – 23 per cent more than the same period last year. Taking around 20 minutes, a check can help lower the risk of developing a range of health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. They are carried out at local GP surgeries and offered to adults who do not already have these conditions and can include checking for certain types of dementia. Those eligible are invited to have a check every five years. [Source: East Sussex County Council]