FOCUS ON… Passing a health MOT
These simple tests and checks could save your life…
1 Test your iron
Hold out your hand, palm up, and push your fingers back. Your palm will become pale, but if the deep lines go white, too, this could be a sign of anaemia – most commonly caused by a lack of iron in your diet. Ask your doctor for a blood test.
2 Heart helper
Find your pulse by putting your middle and index finger on the inside of your wrist. Count how many beats you feel in 20 seconds, and multiply by three for your resting heart rate. A normal resting heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute. See a doctor if your resting pulse is over 100 or below 60, if it skips beats, or doesn’t keep a regular rhythm.
3 Manage pain
A pharmacist will usually offer you a consultation if you’re experiencing regular pain and need advice.
‘If you’re struggling to find medication that works, drug-free alternatives may be for you,’ says pharmacist Anshu Bhimbat. ‘There are also psychological approaches which
can help.
4 The breast check
Despite criticism that the test gives false results, cancer charities maintain mammograms save up to 1,400 lives a year in England alone. An invitation will be sent out for screening when you’re 50-53 years old, then every three years until you’re 70, but ask your GP at any age if you’re concerned.
5 How are your lungs?
Run up two flights of stairs briskly. If you can do this without pausing to rest, your lungs are in fairly good shape. If you experience extreme shortness of breath or have to stop, it’s a sign your lungs are suffering some degree of distress, which could be due to your lungs or heart. See your GP.
6 Look into your eyes
Pale rings that appear to be around the iris, or yellow markings on your lids, could be a sign of high cholesterol. Speak to your GP, who will offer you a blood test.
Worried about failing sight? You’ll be given a free NHS eye test if you’re over 60 years (or over 40 with a parent, sibling or child with glaucoma), or if you’re diabetic or partially sighted/blind.