In our busy, and demanding lives, staying as healthy as we’d like can be difficult. A health check therefore can be a good way to revaluate our lifestyles if we find we’re lacking the motivation to take regular physical exercise; the passion to create meals using fresh ingredients; or the will power to drink in moderation.
Building healthier habits into our daily routine can help. That can include taking a walk in the morning, cooking with our partner, or starting a new hobby. Doing this can have a positive affect on our mental and physical health.
I regularly play sports, walk and go to the gym. But I know some parts of my lifestyle are less healthy. So, when East Sussex County Council announced One You East Sussex would be conducting health checks for staff over 25 years old, I signed up immediately.
What to expect from your health check
As I raced to my health-check appointment at County Hall, I wondered what I’d be advised: eat more vegetables, lose some weight, exercise more, drink less units of alcohol each week. All key things for developing and maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
As I sat down to begin my check, I had a good idea I’d be advised at least two of these things.
An average health-check appointment lasts around 40 minutes and includes:
- height and weight measurement (giving a BMI score)
- blood pressure reading
- cholesterol test
- questionnaires on physical activity, alcohol intake and smoking
- cardiovascular diseases risk score.
Additional checks include:
- blood sugar test (for some people)
- dementia awareness (for over 65s).
Getting checked
My check involved a friendly chat about my exercise, alcohol and eating habits. I then slipped off my shoes and was weighed and measured. My weight was a slight shock, but I was told scales need to be calibrated regularly, and weights can therefore vary from one scale to another. Phew.
At 5ft 8 inches I should weigh around 75kgs. My Body Mass Index – a measure of how healthy my weight is for my height – is in the medium range. Too high, and I could be at risk of getting certain health problems, such as:
After the check-up, the One You East Sussex practitioner and I discussed my results. I ticked off each piece of advice like a game of health bingo; cut down on processed foods, eat less sugary snacks and moderate my evening drinks in front of the television. These, I thought, would be quick – if not easy – changes I could make to my lifestyle. It might even help me to lose the 9kg of body weight the practitioner recommended.
The practitioner’s suggestions can help me to reduce the risk of certain health conditions. If I stick to the advice, there will be only one winner. Me.
By conducting the check of our overall health, we can tell whether we’re at higher risk of certain diseases.
Drink less
It’s recommended we drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week. Regularly drinking more than this can increase health risks. Calculate how many units you drink.
Our article Taking back control: don’t let alcohol run your life looks at the effects drinking too much can have on our health and includes tips on how to drink less if you’d like to quit, or cut down.
Move more
Adults aged 19 to 64 years old should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week. It sounds a lot, but a brisk walk, housework or gardening are all great aerobic exercises.
A great way to take the pressure off is to think of exercise as something that can be fun.
Intuitive exercise is about having fun and not punishing yourself by choosing movement that makes you feel good. The focus is not on changing your body, but on seeing what your body can do.
Quit smoking
Quitting smoking is the single best thing we can do for our heart health. You can get help to quit smoking through One You East Sussex.
Quitting on your first attempt can be a challenge, many people take many attempts before they quit for good. If you’re attempting to quit smoking, you’re one step closer to success as our Diary of an ex-smoker article explains.
Health checks
The NHS offers health checks to people once they turn 40 years old. Learn more about health checks and what to expect.
You can book an NHS Health Check if:
- you’re aged 40-74
- you haven’t been diagnosed with heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease, high cholesterol or high blood pressure
- you’re not taking medication for blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes
- you haven’t had an NHS Health Check in the last five years.
Look out for your invitation from your GP practice or book your NHS Health Check with One You East Sussex
How to get help
If in your health check you’re advised to make changes to your lifestyle there are a number of places that can help.
- Get extra help to a healthier you on the One You East Sussex website
- Health and wellbeing services.
