Mayor first to test out health check

THE Mayor Oldham councillor Derek Heffernan's blood pressure is taken by engagement worker Rabia Begum.

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OLDHAM'S mayor became one of the first people to take advantage of a charity's free health checks.

Positive Steps, based in Union Street, is integrating health checks into its work with young people and adults, by taking the service directly to residents in their workplaces, schools and homes.

And the mayor, Councillor Derek Heffernan and his wife Di, the mayoress, got the medical once-over when they visited the charity to have their own free NHS health checks before being taken on a tour of the centre.

Councillor Heffernan, whose mayoral chains had to be removed for the weigh-in, said: "There was one minor problem but the rest went very smoothly.

"From their point of view, it was all very good.

"My doctor is very keen on health checks, especially with the elderly, so I had mine done before I became mayor.

"It is better to know how you are rather than to shy away from this, that way any problems can be identified and treated.

"Today, people have such awful diets and smoking seems to be on the increase, particularly with young people.

"I'm delighted to say that I stopped smoking 41 years ago but five years ago I had a health scare.

"If you do the regular checks, you have a chance of finding these things before it is too late."

Chief executive Steph Bolshaw said: "The mayor and mayoress were both really keen on having their health checks.

"Over the years we have widened our reach and now provide these as part of an all-encompassing approach to help people in all areas of their lives."

The charity provides health checks for more than 200 people every quarter and has 30 senior engagement workers who are trained to do the checks as a part of their roles.

Positive Steps has also partnered with Hope Citadel Healthcare to train up staff as part of a wider coaching programme.

The service is offered free of charge to those aged 40 to 74, as part of the NHS programme to reduce the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, diabetes or dementia.

Rina Dabhi, director of family services, said: "Sometimes people do not prioritise their own health because they have other issues they are facing, such as financial or parenting.

"In Oldham, we have been progressive in the way we reach this diverse community."

At the centre, engagement worker Rabia Begum recorded the mayor's height and weight, took his blood pressure, checked his pulse, took blood for a cholesterol test and carried out a lung test.

This process is undertaken for each individual accessing the service. Residents are given a formal letter and referred to their GP if there are concerns.