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Today with increased longevity, osteoporosis is taking its toll and 1 in 3 women and 1 in 12 men over the age of 60 now suffer from brittle bones and reduced bone density levels.
Our screen measures the bone density of your heel, and reports your score and level of risk. It takes 10 minutes and is a perfectly safe procedure with immediate results. Blood tests (taken with a finger prick of blood) Cholesterol Our check is a non-fasting one. Coronary heart disease is the UK's biggest killer. Raised cholesterol levels and an unhealthy lifestyle are contributory causes. If you get your cholesterol checked by a GP, you will need a 'fasting' test. This means no food or drink for 12 hours before, in order that your triglyceride (fats) levels are included in the test. With our test, your cholesterol check is instant and you don't need to fast. Hence results can vary sometimes - in the levels of blood cholesterol and other blood fats - both from day to day and at different time of the day. But remember, your lifestyle checks come into the equation as well, in order for our technician to give you a guide. Diabetes (Blood Glucose check) There are 1.4 million diabetics in the UK and it is forecast that a further 2 million people have got it or have early signs of it, but don't realise it yet. One elevated result on its own is not necessarily an indication of diabetes, but it is a good place to start if you have symptoms, such as frequent urination, fatigue or obesity. The blood glucose check, including analysis in our state-of-the-art monitors, takes just 3 or 4 minutes. Haemoglobin Haemoglobin is a complex protein molecule contained in the red blood cells. This gives them their colour and transports them around the body. Iron is vital for the functioning of haemoglobin, and this is the connection everyone knows about when relating anaemia to iron. Symptoms such as lack of energy, excessive tiredness, constant fatigue, pale complexion, shortness of breath and feeling weak are typical in a person with a low haemoglobin count. Our technicians provide valuable nutritional and lifestyle information to support your results, and obviously scores that are low or too high require referral to your GP. Helicobacter Pylori This is a form of bacteria which resides in the mucus lining of the stomach and duodenum and is often associated with peptic ulcers and sensitive raw patches. If left undetected, H. Pylori will cause erosion of those vital, protective linings, causing ulceration and possible cancer if left untreated. Continuous digestive disturbances, pain, acid, constant use of aspirin, drugs for arthritis and cigarette smoking can all be contributory factors and need investigation. Our quick, fingerprick blood test is a good indicator. In the event of a positive result, your GP can prescribe what is known as 'triple drug therapy' and this eradicates the bacteria very quickly. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) One out of every 6 men is at a lifetime risk of prostate cancer. Most men over the age of 60 will have an enlarged prostate, but it does not mean that they have cancer. This particular condition is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Our simple PSA blood test requires a fingerprick of blood and important answers to an accompanying questionnaire. Before the test commences, we give you a copy of the arguments for and against screening, so that you are aware of your choices. In the event of a positive result and /or positive symptoms reported, we will advise you to see your GP for further tests and examination. High Blood Pressure (BP) check The higher your blood pressure, the shorter your life expectancy. High blood pressure can indicate a risk of having a stroke or a heart attack. Left untreated, high blood pressure can also lead to kidney failure, damage your sight and cause your heart all sorts of problems. Get your BP checked regularly. With any of our tests, our BP check is free and takes just a few minutes! | 
