Naylor booked his Norfolk NHS Health Check after he decided that he had to start looking after his health. He was 22.5 stones with high blood pressure and was heavily drinking. One day he decided it was time for a change.

The NHS Health Check is mainly aimed at lowering your risk of getting cardiovascular illnesses (diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels) such as heart disease and stroke. But the risk factors for heart disease and stroke are often the same as risk factors for other conditions, including preventable cancers and respiratory illness.

“After completing my first health check, I found that I had high blood pressure and cholesterol. Since then, I had cut down on my drinking, started going to the gym and eating healthier. Since then  I have lost seven stone. There have been stressful times where I have gained some back but never to the original weight and have been  able to lose it again with exercise.”

“I am very happy with my cholesterol now after my second health check. My blood pressure is still slightly high, so I know that this is something I need to keep an eye on and by continuing to reduce my alcohol intake to the recommended levels, I am sure I can. To support this, I have been made a referral to my GP for blood pressure.”

“I’m aware now that stress at work or slipping into old ways may be a barrier for me moving forwards, but I remember how far I have come when I look back at photos of myself prior to this service and that gives me the incentive  to not  go back. I have well-established routines now that fit in well with my work and home life.

For anyone thinking about having a health check done, it is better to address any risks you may have as they will exist whether you know about them or not. Knowing about them in advance will help to prevent ill health down the line. Small changes are often all that is needed.”

If you are eligible and would like to book an NHS Health Check, click here or call 0808 175 0413