Carers in touch

Are you fit to care?

Carers are busy people who often put their own health needs last but it’s vital that they look after themselves so they are fit to carry on caring. It’s well known that carers often fail to keep routine health appointments because they are caring full-time but there are some checks that should never be ignored.

✔ The NHS health check This is a free check-up of your overall health which can reveal whether you are at a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and stroke. You should be invited for a free NHS health check every five years between the ages of 40 and 74. If you haven’t had an appointment for the last five years, ask at your GP surgery.

✔ Bowel cancer screening Bowel cancer screening doesn’t diagnose cancer but it can detect potential problems before any symptoms appear. The testing kit is sent out through the post and requires people to collect stool samples over several days and to send them to a laboratory for analysis. Screening is offered every two years to all men and women aged 60 to 74. If you’re over 75 you can request a screening kit by calling the freephone helpline on 0800 707 6060.

✔ Skin checks

Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK with 13,000 new cases diagnosed each year. If you notice a change in the colour, size or shape of an existing mole, get it checked by your GP.

✔ Vaccinations Infections such as flu, pneumonia or shingles can be serious in later life. Ask at your GP surgery about getting free NHS vaccinations. You can also get a free one-off combination jab for pneumonia, septicaemia and bacterial meningitis if you are 65 or over or have certain longterm health conditions. If you are aged 70 0r 78, you may be eligible for a free shingles vaccination. Anyone who was previously eligible but missed out remains eligible until their 80th birthday.

✔ Blood pressure checks High blood pressure can weaken your heart and damage the walls of your arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. Around 30 per cent of adults in England have high blood pressure but many don’t realise it as they have no symptoms. Have yours checked at your GP surgery.

Make time for your own health checks - they could be life-saving!

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