People are being encouraged to take up free health checks at County Durham leisure centres. Check 4 life health checks are aimed at assessing the risk of developing serious health problems such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes.
They are available at most Durham County Council run leisure centres for people aged between 16 and 74.
Lynne Archer, aged 57, from Spennymoor, is one of many people who have already benefited by taking advantage of the checks.
She said: “By having this health check I found out I had high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which I wouldn’t have known about otherwise.
“I was advised to visit my GP where I was diagnosed with type two diabetes. I now go to the gym three times a week and have drastically changed my eating habits.”
Your Check 4 Life health check takes around 30 minutes and includes:
• Height, weight, waist and blood pressure measurements
• Simple finger stick test for cholesterol;
• Questions about your health, diet, exercise and family medical history;
• An assessment of your level of cardiovascular risk
• Advice on improving your health and fitness.
They are available at Chester-le-Street, Freeman’s Quay, Newton Aycliffe, Riverside, Shildon-Sunnydale, Spennymoor, Teesdale and Woodhouse Close leisure centres.
To arrange an appointment contact the leisure centre or telephone 03000 266 555. Contact www.durham.gov.uk/leisurecentres
Lynne Archer gets health checked by John Lynn, fitness instructor at Spennymoor Leisure Centre
