With welcoming in the New Year, a resolution of yours might be to focus on your health and overall well-being.
Below are 5 Health Checks to consider for 2025 and a brief explanation of why they matter and how they can be the first step towards living a healthier, longer life.
NHS Health Check:
If you are aged 40- 74, your GP or local council will offer you the NHS Health Check every five years. These health checks can detect if you are at a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and strokes.
The Health Check will be done by a healthcare professional. This could be any of the following: a doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare assistant. It will take around 20 to 30 minutes. It will consist of a couple of tests, including a cholesterol test and a blood pressure test, as well as measuring your height, weight, and waist.
The NHS Health Check aims to lower your risk of getting conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. You can read here to see how Premier Community’s carers found their Health Check experience.
Bowel Cancer Screening:
This is a test that can be conducted in the comfort of your own home. The NHS website states that Bowel Cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK. By doing a Bowel Cancer screening, you can check for the signs. The test is offered to everyone aged 54 to 74 every two years.
The test does not stop you from getting bowel cancer, but it is the best way to find cancer at an early stage. Your test kit (FIT kit) should include a sample bottle, an envelope, and instructions on how to do the test. To find out more about Bowel Cancer screenings and the process, follow the link. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer-screening/
Breast Cancer Screening:
Breast screening uses X-rays called mammograms to check your breasts for signs of cancer. It’s done by female health specialists called mammographers. Regular breast screening is one of the best ways to spot a cancer that is too small to feel or see.
Anyone can get breast cancer. This includes women, men, trans and non-binary people. It’s the most common type of cancer in the UK. The chance of getting breast cancer increases as you get older. Most breast cancers are diagnosed in women over 50 years.
During the month of October, we ran a week-long campaign consisting of 5 different blog topics on the various effects Breast Cancer can have on people. To view our blog topics on breast cancer, click here.
Blood Pressure tests:
A blood pressure test checks whether your blood pressure is healthy, high or low. Low blood pressure (hypotension) is not usually a problem, although it can cause dizziness and fainting in some people. High blood pressure (hypertension) can increase your risk of developing serious problems, such as heart attacks and strokes if it’s not treated.
If you are scheduled for an NHS Health Check, as mentioned earlier, these include testing your blood pressure. If you aren’t considering going for an NHS Health Check, you are able to get your blood pressure tested at a number of places, including most pharmacies, your local GP surgery, and some workplaces.
To know more about how blood pressure is tested and measured and to understand your blood pressure reading, click the link to visit the NHS page. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/blood-pressure-test/
Skin Cancer Checks:
There are two main types of skin cancer: Melanoma and Non-melanoma.
Melanoma Skin Cancer develops from skin cells called melanocytes and is a type of cancer that can spread to other areas of the body. Symptoms often include changes to moles, freckles, or a normal patch of skin.
Non-melanoma skin cancer is a common form of cancer that starts in the top layer of the skin and can often be easily treated. It usually falls under one of two types: Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) or Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC).
Currently, the UK doesn’t have a national screening process for skin cancer. This is because the most common forms of skin cancer usually develop in areas exposed to the sun, meaning they can be generally spotted quickly and treated early.
If you were to check for skin cancer at home for yourself. You should check all your moles every few weeks and see your doctor if you notice any changes. To read more about knowing the symptoms and when to see a GP, follow the link through to the NHS page. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/melanoma-skin-cancer/symptoms/
The 5 health checks we’ve highlighted, from blood pressure checks to cancer screenings, are simple yet powerful tools that can help you catch potential issues before they become life-threatening. Early detection can make the difference, and by prioritising these tests, you’re not only investing in your physical well-being but also gaining peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones.
