Residents in 6 communities benefit from a free Health MOT

Residents in Ilchester, Martock, Stoke sub Hamdon, Tintinhull, Ash and Long Load are benefitting from a comprehensive ‘Health MOT’ thanks to funding from Somerset County Council alongside support from South Somerset District Council.

Health test2

Photo L-R: Cllr Sylvia Seal, Julie Stapleton, Charlie Coward, Cllr John Bailey.

The Health MOT’s – which are being carried out by the Healthy Lifestyles Team at South Somerset District Council – are completely free of charge and include checks on cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar.

The health testing has been made possible following funding from Somerset County Councillor John Bailey’s Health and Wellbeing Fund. “I am pleased that with the support of SSDC this funding has enabled us to offer Health MOT’s in all parishes across the Martock Division. We have also been able to build on the successful lifestyle courses started in some villages last year.”

Charlie Coward Healthy Lifestyles Officer at South Somerset District Council explained more about the benefits of receiving the Health MOT. “Our Health Checks will help to identify your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. Together, these vascular diseases are the biggest cause of preventable deaths in the UK affecting more than 4 million people.

Health test3Healthy Lifestyles Officer, Sam Wenden-de-Lira, carrying out a health test on a local resident.

“Everyone is at some risk of developing these diseases. By identifying that risk early and taking steps to reduce it, you can improve your chance of maintaining or improving your health as you get older.”

Councillor Sylvia Seal, who holds the Leisure and Culture portfolio for South Somerset District Council added, “I am so pleased that partnership working with Somerset County Council has created these opportunities for so many people to receive a health check. It is clear from the reaction so far that residents value the opportunity to receive these free tests locally, and in a welcoming environment.”

Limited spaces for health tests are still available in Tintinhull, Stoke sub Hamdon, Long Load and Ash. Anyone interested in accessing a Health MOT should call 01935 462616 or email: [email protected]