LOCAL COUNCIL ELECTION: The local councillors of Alway extend their thanks and gratitude to the residents of the Alway ward for providing their support in the local council election.

The councillors wish to communicate that they will always provide full support to all their residents as they have always endeavoured to do at all times.

HEATH CHECK: Health Check is all about, living well and living longer and by doing this it will help you to live longer by preventing, strokes, heart disease and diabetes. 

You might be feeling great, however if you are over 40, you could have health problems you can`t see. 
What is a Heath Check? If you are between 40 and 64, think of your NHS health check as being “midlife MOT”, even if you are feeling well, there could be problems that you can`t see. It checks to see that some of your body`s most important systems are running smoothly. It checks for major health problems such as , stroke, heart disease and diabetes. These can be prevented – even if you have a history of them in your family. The health check can help spot these problems and can help lower your chances of developing more serious problems in the future. 

What can happen? Your GP will contact you about making your appointment and the health check will take about 30-40 minutes and will be held in your local community. You will be asked simple questions about your e lifestyle and family history. Your height, weight and waist measurements will be taken. Your blood pressure and pulse will be taken and a simple finger prick to test for cholesterol and the risk of diabetes. You will be given personalised advice and support on ways you can lower your risk of future health problems. Taking action now can help to lower your potential risk. Remember to bring reading glasses I so required and a list of any medication you are taking.   

SMOKING AND NICOTINE DEPENDENCY: Some food for thought, or should I say a smoke warning. UK households expend approximately £19.3 billion a year on cigarettes and tobacco a figure that risen from £7 billion in 1985. An estimated 78,000 deaths are attributed to smoking last year, representing 17% of all deaths nationwide and exceeding the next six most common cause of preventable mortality drug use, road accidents, falls, diabetes, suicide and alcohol abuse. 

The effects of smoking on public health impact on economic activity and public services with the associate burden measured at £13.7 billion per annum. Portrayed in stark statistics this certainly concentrates the mind and explains a change in life style can bring quality of life and put extra years in the life bank. 

Alway
John Guy 
John.Guy@newport.gov.uk