Physical Health Checks
We all have to look after our health, but people with severe mental illness need to be a little extra careful. Your medication and lifestyle could put you at risk of certain health problems, and the earlier any issues are identified, the easier they are to fix. The good news is, you’re entitled to an annual health check to get advice and support.
What is involved in a physical health check
A health check involves six key elements:
- Blood pressure check
- Blood glucose assessment, where a blood sample will be taken to understand what level of glucose (sugar) there is in your blood
- Blood lipid assessment, where a blood sample is taken to understand what level of cholesterol there is in your blood
- Smoking assessment
- Alcohol assessment
- Height and weight check
You may also be asked about your lifestyle, including how well you eat, how much exercise you do and your reproductive health.
Why should you get a physical health check?
Annual Physical Health Checks for people with severe mental illness (SMI) are designed to pick up on signs that someone may be at risk of diabetes, stroke or heart problems. This means action can be taken before these issues become more serious.
A full check involves six different elements:
Blood pressure – your blood pressure will be checked.
Blood glucose – a blood sample will be taken for a blood test, where the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood will be checked.
Height and weight – you will be asked your height and be weighed during your appointment.
Blood lipid – a blood sample will be taken for a blood test, where the level of cholesterol in your blood will be checked.
Smoking – you will be asked whether you smoke.
Alcohol – you will be asked how much alcohol you drink.
Details of how these checks are undertaken can be found in our Physical Health Check tool available on the Rethink Mental Illness website here
How to book your physical health check
In Somerset, you can access your health check in a number of ways.
For most people, your health check will be delivered through your GP practice. You may receive a letter or phone call from the practice inviting you. If not, you can contact them directly.
If you are being supported by one of our secondary care services, you may be offered a health check by them if that is more convenient to you.
If you have concerns about attending your GP practice, you can access additional support for the health checks by contacting support@openmentalhealth.org.uk. We’ll be able to put you in touch with someone who can help address any concerns before, during or after the check. You may also be offered a health check in your home or another setting if that is more appropriate.