WIREDGOV

A new service, to be rolled out across Scotland next week, will see all Scots turning 40 being invited for a health check.

The NHS 24 service - 'Life Begins at 40' - will allow those contacted to assess their own health online or over the phone. Following completion of the self assessment questionnaire the user will be given health information specifically tailored to their individual needs, along with relevant signposting to other sources of information on national and local services

'Life Begins at 40' is part of a package of services, backed by nearly £15 million, to help people over 40 check up on their health.

• The Keep Well programme, which currently provides health checks in certain areas of high deprivation, will now be extended in an £11 million plan to cover all of Scotland's poorest communities from 2012. As part of this programme, steps will also be taken to ensure health checks are offered to eligible carers.
• A four year pilot project, backed by over £3.5 million, will also start this year to explore the feasibility of introducing universal face-to-face 'heart MOTs' to over 40s. As part of the pilot, around 20,000 people in a number of areas across Scotland will receive a check-up.

Public Health Minister Shona Robison said:

"Life Begins at 40 will see 74,000 Scots invited to self-assess their lifestyles and think about their health this year.

"In today's tough economic times we need to be as efficient as possible and that means maximising our investment in the health of the Scottish people. By investing in health services fit for the 21st century we can save lives. We don't just want to treat people who are ill, we want to make sure people stay healthy.

"Prevention is better than cure and we are dedicated to doing all that we can to identify those at risk from as early as possible. It's important that people are encouraged to check their health and we wa nt to make it as easy and convenient as possible.

"Keep Well is already successfully tackling health inequalities in our poorest communities. It has made a difference to thousands of people's lives and with this development an additional 30,000 Scots a year will get the extra help and treatment that they need.

"The 'heart MOT' health check will provide vital research in health prevention. The checks will be for all individuals aged 40-74 - not just those believed to be at risk - and will mean that we will be able to test the success of a general heart check-up for the first time.

"This range of activity will offer a co-ordinated and complementary programme of preventative health checks."

NHS 24 Medical Director Dr George Crooks said:

"Turning 40 is a significant milestone and it can traditionally be a time for making new lifestyle choices. Many people may be reflecting on their past and considering what's ahead of them. It is an ideal, positive time for people to start thinking more about a healthy future.

"Your health matters and you can make a big difference by what you choose to do. By each of us knowing more about looking after our own health we will all contribute to a healthier society."