Football fans targeted in public health initiative
Health will be top of the agenda at Oxford United on Saturday when United take on Stevenage. For one week only, the condition of the fans might be more of a talking point than that of the squad on the pitchOxfordshire County Council’s public health department has joined forces with Oxford United to promote the NHS Health Check scheme by offering mini-checks to supporters before the game and during half time.
Six mini-check stations will be set up inside and outside the Kassam stadium and adults will be offered the chance to get their blood pressure and Body Mass Index (BMI) checked by trained health professionals.
Although the check is not the same as a full NHS Health Check, it is hoped the event will raise awareness and build understanding of its importance.
Councillor Hilary Hibbert-Biles, Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member for public health, and a keen Oxford United fan, said: “An NHS Health Check really can help you to live a longer and healthier life but too many people in Oxfordshire are passing up their chance to benefit from the scheme. We hope plenty of people will stop and take part in our mini-check, finding out about the full one at the same time.”
Fans who stop to have a mini-check will be given the results of their check on a pocket-sized card for reference and can also enter a prize draw to win the chance to lead the team onto the pitch.
Commercial director Tony Davison said: “Our fans support the club through good and bad, so we’re delighted to be involved in an event which will benefit them in return. They needn’t worry that the focus will only be on them – there are members of the club who could do with a check themselves, and we’ll be making sure we don’t escape the measuring equipment!
“An NHS Health Check is a great way of keeping track of your overall physical health and that’s the message we’ll be helping Oxfordshire County Council to promote on Saturday.”
If you are interested in having a full NHS Health Check, contact your GP surgery to ask for more information. You can also find out more online at www.healthcheck.nhs.uk.