Healthy Heart Check workplace scheme extended after helping man uncover diabetes diagnosis

AN ASHTON resident discovered he had Type 2 Diabetes after attending a free Healthy Heart Check, delivered by Be Well Tameside and designed to detect early signs of heart-related conditions.

The scheme, which is open to Tameside organisations and businesses, was originally set to end in March and has now been extended until the end of May, giving more people the chance to access these vital health checks.

Richard Hampson, 59, had received several messages from his GP about booking a health check but hadn’t got round to it. It was only after reading an article on the Tameside Council website that he decided to book an appointment.

Richard explained: “I was approaching 60 and had started noticing a few issues, so I thought I should book one”. The simple and quick check-up included measuring height, weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels through a finger prick test. The results for Richard were alarming: a high HbA1c reading suggested possible diabetes, and the community health check advisor carrying out the check urged him to follow up with his GP.

A subsequent blood test confirmed that Richard had Type 2 Diabetes, a condition he had unknowingly been living with for some time. Symptoms he had dismissed as signs of ageing, such as excessive thirst, blurry vision, and cold extremities were, in fact, indicators of the condition.

“I was shocked at first, but I realised that without the Healthy Heart Check, I might not have found out until something more serious happened, like a stroke or heart attack. Now, with medication and lifestyle changes, I’m managing my health and feeling more in control.”

The Healthy Heart Checks, delivered by Be Well Tameside, are designed to detect early signs of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, providing a vital opportunity for intervention before serious health issues develop. With the scheme now extended until the end of May, even more people can access this potentially life-saving service.

Tameside Council is urging businesses and organisations to sign up and offer Healthy Heart Checks to their employees. The checks are free, take just half an hour, and could be the first step towards preventing serious health conditions.

Cllr Taf Sharif, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Population Health and Wellbeing, said: “Stories like Richard’s show just how important these checks are. Early detection can make a huge difference, and we want as many people as possible to take advantage of this opportunity. We’re encouraging all workplaces to get involved and help their staff take control of their health and prevent long term illnesses.”

Workplaces that are interested, can get in touch or for more details emailing bewelltameside@tameside.gov.uk or giving them call on 0161 342 5050.

For more information about Be Well Tameside visit www.tameside.gov.uk/bewelltameside.