Bid to boost health in coastal towns

The programme is being made available to 38,000 residents in the Scarborough and Whitby areas amid growing concerns over the number of fatalities from heart and circulatory diseases. People are being urged to make changes to their lifestyles such as reducing alcohol consumption, stopping smoking, increasing physical activity and eating more healthily in a bid to prevent the life-threatening diseases.

North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for public health, Coun Don Mackenzie, said: “The checks are quick and simple and will provide you and your nurse and doctor with valuable information on your current health, lifestyle and future risk of heart or circulatory problems.”

So far about 7,200 residents have been invited and 4,350 have had a check, which involves monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and the lifestyle of people aged from 40 to 74. It is hoped everyone eligible for a check will have received an invitation by the end of March 2016.