Photo: Wellcome Images
The United Kingdom’s first kiosks which can give instant checks on heart health have been established in Tower Hamlets.
Local people aged between 40 to 74 can now test their heart health at the digital kiosks in two of Tower Hamlets Councils’ Idea Stores – which provide library and adult education services in the borough.
The kiosks have already been installed in the stores on Roman Road in Bow and at Chrisp Street, off the East India Dock Road in Docklands. They will also become available at a variety of other community venues and events until June 24.
The heart health assessment will tell people how healthy their heart is, and also how likely they are to develop heart disease in the future. Health Care Assistants are also on hand to offer advice on how to prevent problems.
The kiosks are working in conjunction with local GP surgeries, allowing people with concerns to have a follow-up appointment with their doctor.
Director of Public Health in Tower Hamlets, Dr. Ian Basnett said: “Heart disease is preventable, yet it kills 42,000 people every year in the UK. We want to help those at risk in Tower Hamlets – people aged forty-plus – to understand what can cause an unhealthy heart so they are able reduce and to deal with any potential risks.”
Users of the kiosks will also get important information on themselves such as weight, body mass index, body fat content, blood pressure and heart rate.
Judith St John, Head of Idea Stores at Tower Hamlets Council said: “The council is delighted that Tower Hamlets was chosen to pioneer this health initiative, and the Idea stores are perfect locations because they are easy to access for everyone in the borough.”
One local resident, Jane Preston, 60, from Bow, said she believed the kiosks will make it easier for people to check their health: “It’s a very good idea. I haven’t tried the kiosks yet, because there has always been a queue, but I’m definitely going to”.
For details about where and when you can get a health check, text HEART to 64745 (free).
