Get a free health check
As we get older, we have a higher risk of developing one or more of the following conditions.
- heart disease
- type 2 diabetes
- stroke
- dementia
- kidney disease
Prevention, along with early detection or intervention, are powerful tools to help lower your risk and live a long and healthy life.
What is an NHS health check?
This is a cardiovascular risk assessment which takes approximately 30 minutes. The check is designed to spot the early signs of kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia.
Types of health checks
Depending on your age, and if you have any pre-existing conditions, you can choose from three different health checks:
- NHS health check
- general health check up
- mini health check at a health station
If you're 40 to 74 years old, and do not have a pre-existing health condition, you're entitled to a free health check. It takes just 20 to 30 minutes and could add years to, or even save, your life.
Where can I get an NHS health check?
You can contact your GP or Total Wellbeing Luton to book your free NHS health check, or visit any outreach location found across the town.
Health checks from Total Wellbeing Luton are available if:
- you work or live in Luton
- you're age 40 to 74
- you have not had a health check in the last 5 years
You must also not have a history of the following:
- heart problems such as angina, heart attack, heart failure, atrial fibrillation
- chronic kidney disease, stage 3 to 5
- diabetes - high blood glucose
- hypertension - high blood pressure
- stroke/TIA (mini stroke)
- familial hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol)
- peripheral arterial disease or peripheral vascular disease
- taking statins
- have had a health check in the last 5 years
If you're over 65 years old, you'll also:
- be told about the signs and symptoms of dementia
- receive personalised advice about what to look out for and how to reduce your risk
What happens during a health check?
The NHS health check is designed to spot the early signs of kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia. Each full health check takes approximately 30 minutes and includes a health professional:
- taking a small pinprick of blood to screen for cholesterol levels
- height/weight/waist measurements to check body mass index
- blood pressure check
- general lifestyle advice and education
- signposting to other services if appropriate
The healthcare professional will explain your results and give advice about maintaining and improving your health. Your blood test results can show your chances of getting heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes.
Mini health checks at a health station
In addition no matter your age, you can keep track of your health for free using a SiSu health stations.
The health stations will:
- give you a fully-automated mini-health check in under 10 minutes
- measure your height and weight to calculate your BMI
- calculate your heart rate and blood pressure
You'll receive your results immediately and, if any health risks are identified, you'll be given information about what to do next.
Where can I find a health station?
The health stations can be found at the following locations:
- Luton Central Library (First Floor), St George's Square, Luton LU1 2NG
- Inspire Sports Village (Reception), Butterfield Green Road, LU2 8DD
- Harris Pharmacy Harris Pharmacy, 165 Dunstable Road, Luton, LU1 1BW
Have you registered a high or very blood pressure at a health station?
If you’ve registered a high or very high blood pressure please visit one of the pharmacies below for a follow-up check:
- Birdsfoot Lane Pharmacy, 225 Birdsfoot Lane, Luton, LU3 2HX
- Bishopscote Chemist, 54 Bishopscote Road, Luton, LU3 1PB
- Denbigh Pharmacy, 60 Denbigh Road, Luton, LU3 1NR
- Harris Pharmacy, 165 Dunstable Road, Luton, LU1 1BW
- The Mall Pharmacy, Unit 3 Luton Mall, Luton LU1 2AZ
- Westbourne Pharmacy, 198b Dunstable Road, Luton, LU4 8JJ
- Woodlands Chemist, 1 Bishopscote Road, Luton, LU3 1NX