PEOPLE in Ealing could be at a lower risk of cardio-vascular disease than other parts of the country, according to a new report.

The borough is the third-most proactive region in England when it comes to health.

The report compares regional NHS data on the utilisation of Health Checks, a free service offered by the NHS to everyone aged 40–74 to prevent premature death from heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.

The Medicspot report comes after research revealed free NHS checks reduce the risk of cardio-vascular disease.

It found that, over a six-year period, those on the Health Check programme had lost weight, lowered blood pressure and fewer were smokers.

People in Ealing are leading the way when it comes to being pro-active about their health. Of those who are eligible, 81% claimed a free NHS Health Check in the last five years – the third-highest uptake in England after Hammersmith and Fulham and Bolton.

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In other areas of London such as Harrow, only 48% of the eligible population received a free check.

Dr Johnson D’souza, Medical Director and GP at Medicspot, said: “It’s great to see the majority of people in Ealing are getting a Health Check, 38% higher than the national average.”

There are still 19% of eligible people in the borough who have not taken up the offer.

You would normally receive a letter from your GP or local authority inviting you for a check every five years. However, you can also request one yourself by asking your GP or contacting Ealing Council directly.