THE Steve Prescott Foundation is backing St Helens Council’s campaign that is urging people to book a free NHS health check.

The council’s public health team was delighted to join forces with the Foundation in getting across the message that early detection of health problems is vital.

Rugby legend Steve sadly passed away at the end of last year, aged just 39, after a brave battle against cancer. But his memory lives on through the tremendous work of the Steve Prescott Foundation, which has already raised more than £500,000 pounds for charity.

Foundation figurehead Martin Blondell said: “Steve spent his final years battling cancer and I can think of no finer tribute to his memory than so have as many people as possible taking preventative action to avert potentially serious health conditions.”

The national health checks programme helps to prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease and helps to identify health risks at an early stage and start treatments for people aged 40-74. Everyone in this age group will be invited for a check by their GP every five years, starting in April in St Helens.

The focus is on prevention and early detection of factors that can make a difference to overall health such as smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, blood pressure, blood fats and alcohol.

Councillor Gareth Cross, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “Health checks are easy, straightforward and will be carried out by a trained health care professional.

“They include a range of questions about your general health, lifestyle and family history. Simple measurements such as height, weight and blood pressure will be taken to look for signs, symptoms and risk factors for a number of diseases.”

Once the health check is completed, everyone will be provided with health advice and support based on the results. If necessary, they will be referred to other specialists for treatment or other interventions.

Foe more information about the health check visit the NHS Health Checks page on www.nhs.uk or contact your GP.