News release 1 September 2008

A pub, village halls and a library are among the venues being used next week (w/c Sept 8) for free of charge "Body MOTs" on offer to South Derbyshire residents.

This is the second time that South Derbyshire District Council has offered the free checks, which give people the chance to have their blood pressure, lung function and Body Mass Index monitored. Smokers can even have the level of carbon monoxide in their blood measured.

Body MOTs were offered in South Derbyshire in July and the district's Community Sports Coach, Lewis Adams, is hoping those who went along last time will drop in again to see how much progress they have made.

Lewis, a trained exercise professional, is attending all of the events to offer advice on getting more active and how to stop smoking as well as to give out diet and nutritional information to those interested.

Commenting on the scheme he said: "Over 80 people came to the sessions that we ran in July and so we are hoping to see them along with plenty of first time visitors this time around. We would like to think that we have encouraged some of the people we saw before to make changes to their lifestyles – perhaps we will be able to confirm it if they return to be re-tested."

The health checks fall in line with a National Scheme, ‘Know your Numbers Week’, promoted by the Blood Pressure Association, so those interested in finding out what their number is can do so.

John Lemmon, Chair of Housing and Community Services at South Derbyshire District Council said: "We hope that these health checks will make people think about their lifestyles – how active they are, if they smoke and what they eat.

"The health checks and information are being given in informal settings of community venues across the district and appointments are not necessary. We hope that this will encourage people to go along."

South Derbyshire Body MOTs will be available in the following places:

Monday 8th September
10.30am -12.30pm = Repton Village Hall
2pm – 4pm = Etwall Library

Tuesday 9th September
10am -12noon = Hilton Village Hall
1pm – 3pm = The Green Man Pub, Willington

Wednesday 10th September
10am -12noon = Newhall Children's Centre
2pm – 4pm = Findern Parish Rooms

Thursday 11th September
10am -12noon = Woodville Children's Centre
1pm – 3pm = Rosliston Forestry Centre

Friday 12th September
1pm – 3pm = Aston Memorial Hall