Health and wellbeing
Awareness event promotes healthy hearts in Walsall town centre
Published on
The Heart Health awareness event at the Saddlers Shopping Centre brought people together to learn about how they can live well and reduce their risk of heart disease.
Over 40 health assessments and NHS Health Checks were delivered as part of an event to increase awareness about heart health in Walsall.
‘I Heart Health’ took place on Thursday 23 February at the Saddlers Shopping Centre in Walsall. It brought people together to learn about how they can live well and reduce their risk of heart disease, as well as getting a free health assessment or NHS Health Check, which included blood pressure and BMI checks.
The first 23 people who had a health assessment or NHS Health Check offered by One You Walsall were eligible to receive a free Saddlers Happy Healthy Hamper of fresh fruit and vegetables, a way of encouraging people to eat well.
Families and shoppers visiting the town centre also engaged with the event by speaking to organisations or taking part in free taster activities, which included cycling, bowls, archery and golf.
Other organisations on the day included Orchid Fighting Male Cancer, Positive Outcomes Project (POP), Mettaminds, PAL Fitness & Education CIC, British Triathlon and mytimeactive. Many of these organisations currently offer local provision across the Borough, giving people the opportunity to continue participating if it was something they enjoyed.
The Ping Pong Parlour was also open for visitors to take part and try out a new sport.
“ I am pleased to see many people came forward for a free health assessment or NHS Health Check at the Saddlers Shopping Centre. I had my free NHS Health Check, and it was an easy and informative process. I received tailored advice to take home, which helps me to learn about my heart health and find ways of supporting my overall health and wellbeing.
It was positive to see people taking up the opportunity to talk to providers on the day or having a go at a taster activity.
The Saddlers Shopping Centre was pleased to support this initiative and it was a great new event for the centre. There were many of their regular customers visiting for information on a healthy start to the year.
I would like to thank all the organisers for their involvement in this event. “
If you are aged 40 to 74 and do not have a pre-existing condition, you may be eligible to have a free NHS Health Check. Contact your GP to find out more.
If you would like further support to improve your own health and wellbeing, please visit www.oneyouwalsall.com or call 01922 444044.
ENDS
Notes to editor:
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This event was a partnership between Walsall Council, Public Health Walsall, One You Walsall, Active Black Country and Saddlers Shopping Centre.
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The Ping Pong Parlour opened in August 2022 and is located on the upper floor of the Saddlers Shopping Centre opposite Costa. It is open daily between 10am and 5pm.
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One You Walsall is a free service dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of all residents across Walsall. Their services help you make the best choices to live well such as moving more and quitting smoking. If you live, work or are registered with a GP in Walsall, you are eligible to use any of the support services. To find out more, visit oneyouwalsall.com or call 01922 444044.
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The NHS Health Check is a health check-up for adults in England aged 40 to 74. It's designed to spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia. As we get older, we have a higher risk of developing one of these conditions. An NHS Health Check helps find ways to lower this risk. Further information including eligibility is on the NHS website.
