Your NHS Health Check will be done by a member of the pharmacy team, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

Your community pharmacist will ask you some simple questions, including whether or not you smoke, and how much alcohol you drink, if at all. Your age, gender and ethnicity will be recorded, too.

The pharmacist will then determine how much physical activity you do, and your weight and height will be measured, in order to determine whether you are a healthy weight for your height. Your waist may also be recorded with a tape measure.

The NHS Health Check includes a blood test, which will either happen before or during the check. You may also be asked to provide a small sample of blood taken from your finger, in order for the pharmacist to check your cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Using a cuff fitted over your upper arm, your blood pressure and pulse will be taken in order to identify whether you have high or low blood pressure.

Typically, you’ll receive your results during the appointment, and these will include your cardiovascular disease risk score - determining your likelihood of developing heart disease or suffering from a stroke in the next 10 years. Your results will also include your risk of developing kidney disease and diabetes. A high risk score means you’re more likely to develop one of these illnesses.

The pharmacist conducting your health check will talk to you about how to lower your risk by making lifestyle changes - including ways to improve your diet and increase the amount of exercise you do, which may help you to lose weight, and advice or support on how to stop smoking. You may be referred to local services to help you make any changes - there may be a stop smoking or physical activity service available in your area, and your pharmacist will help you make the most of these services.

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The NHS Health Check is free of charge, so if you’re worried about your health, get in touch with your local pharmacy to find out if you can pop in at a time that’s convenient for you.