About NHS health checks
The NHS health check is for anyone aged 40 to 74 who does not have any pre-existing conditions.
Think of the check as a mid-life health MOT. The check takes around 45 minutes and you'll be given advice to help you achieve or maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Even if you feel fine, you should still take up the offer of a health check. Some conditions like high blood pressure often have no symptoms, so you may not know you have them.
It's important to get a health check
As we get older, we have higher chances of having:
- heart disease
- stroke
- type 2 diabetes
- kidney disease.
Your NHS health check will spot any issues early and can stop things from becoming more serious.
Many age-related health problems can be dealt with by early diagnosis and making simple lifestyle changes.
During your check our friendly advisor will measure your risk and help you find ways to reduce it.
Julie, Health Improvement Coordinator
Many health conditions are symptomless and that’s why it’s really important to get this check."
How to book your NHS health check
There are lots of ways you can book your NHS health check at the Smokefree advice centre.
- in person: at the Smokefree Advice Centre in Chatham or your GP surgery
- phone: 01634 335 830
- email: medwayhealthchecks@medway.gov.uk
- text: text the word ‘CHECK’ to 81066.
Your GP will usually send you a letter to invite you for your health check.
Request a call back about your health check
You can complete our request a call back form and we'll phone you back to book your check.
Pre-existing conditions
You are not eligible for an NHS health check if you have:
- heart disease
- chronic kidney disease
- diabetes
- high blood pressure
- atrial fibrillation
- transient ischaemic attack
- inherited high cholesterol
- heart failure
- peripheral arterial disease
- stroke
- been prescribed statins to lower cholesterol
- 20% or higher risk of cardiovascular disease in the next 10 years.