Alcohol consumption

To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level, men and women should not drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week on a regular basis – this is the equivalent of six pints of average-strength beer or 10 small glasses of low-strength wine. If someone regularly drinks 14 units a

week, they should spread their drinking over three or more days and try to have several drink-free days each week if trying to cut down.

Exercise

Patients should be advised to be physically active by undertaking at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise. Moderate activities such as brisk walking, using stairs or cycling can be incorporated into daily life.

NHS Health Check

NHS Health Check is a national health risk assessment and management programme for those aged 40 to 74 living in England who do not have any existing vascular disease and who are not currently being treated for certain risk factors. It is aimed at preventing heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease and raising awareness of dementia for those aged 65-74 and includes an alcohol risk assessment.

An NHS Health Check should be offered every five years. Health checks last about 30 minutes and involve asking questions about:

• Age: cardiovascular disease risk increases with age
• Ethnicity: some ethnic groups are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease
• Smoking status: smokers are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease
• Family history: if there’s a history of cardiovascular disease in the patient’s family then they’re at an increased risk
• Physical activity: a sedentary lifestyle leads to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease
• Alcohol consumption: drinking above the recommended limits increases cardiovascular disease risk.

Cardiovascular disease remains a common and fatal condition for a significant proportion of the population. Its prevention by the promotion of healthy living is a real way in which pharmacy staff can influence the health of the nation.