Beacon has launched free health checks for the over 40s in Dudley. The scheme, known as Healthy Living Opticians, is based at the charity’s opticians on Wolverhampton Road East in partnership with the NHS.
Trained staff will perform a health MOT which will cover core areas such high cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, alcohol intake, BMI and lots more.
Shamina Asif, who has spearheaded the Healthy Living Optician scheme across Dudley, said: “We all knowhow hard it can be to make time for appointment at our local surgery – this is often one of the many reasons why people don’t go for health checks. With our modern and busy lifestyles, it is now more important than ever to make sure we get a health MOT every so often.” You will also have the chance to talk over general health and discuss concerns such as lifestyle, diet and drinking habits.
Shamina added: “Once we have gone over your health check we can understand if you are in danger of long-term conditions such as diabetes, we can then give you tips on prevention and how to improve your lifestyle. But it’s not just about highlighting concerns and looking for warning signs, the service can also inform your GP if you need further support.”
The scheme is supported and backed by the NHS with the aim of improving access to general health and wellbeing advice and guidance across Dudley.
Maisie Britt, Healthy Living Options Advisor, explained: “Often we notice people coming in with high cholesterol. After checking them we provide information on how to reduce this through nutritional advice and simple changes. We can also signpost and inform you of further support – followed with a confidential and open discussion about your wilder health.”