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Caring can be rewarding but it can also be very tiring, placing demands on your physical and emotional energy. As a carer you need to be as healthy as possible. It is easy when you are simply coping day to day and responding to the needs of others, to forget your own wellbeing.
Blood pressure
Many people living in the UK aren't aware they have high blood pressure. That's understandable because usually there are no symptoms. But, if left untreated, the condition can lead to heart problems, strokes and damage to other vital organs. The good news is that blood pressure can normally be lowered by making lifestyle changes such as losing weight and exercising.
Diabetes
In total, over 2million people in the UK are diagnosed as having diabetes, however it is suspected there are another ½ million people in the UK who have the condition but aren’t aware of it. Some people are more at risk than others. If you're over 40, have a history of diabetes within your family, are overweight or don’t do much exercise you may be at an increased risk.
Cholesterol and Heart health
Heart disease is a huge problem in the UK with millions of us at risk of developing it within the next 10 years. But the good news is that there’s a lot you can do to look after your heart and cut the risk of a heart attack or heart disease.
Eye tests
As you get older, it becomes even more important to have regular eye tests. A regular eye test is a vital health check for your eyes. Conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes and age-related conditions can seriously affect your vision. They often develop slowly which means they can remain undetected until more serious damage has been done. But if detected early enough, most conditions can be successfully treated.