Santa got to find out his vital statistics when he dropped in for a free NHS Health Check at a special shop set up by the Blood Pressure Association at Vicarage Field Shopping Centre, Barking.

The jolly visitor, known for his portly stature, may be making some healthy New Year's resolutions following his check by health screener Kathy McHale's face (pictured here).

Fortunately, visitors don’t need a white beard and ruddy face to have their own free check. All local residents aged 40-74 are eligible, provided they haven’t already been diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, chronic kidney disease, heart disease, or have had a heart attack or stroke.

Shoppers can take a rest from buying Christmas gifts and in just 20 minutes have a full ‘NHS Health Check’, which includes blood pressure, body mass index, cholesterol, diabetes and waist circumference testing.

UK charity the Blood Pressure Association and NHS Barking & Dagenham have set up the shop, on the Upper Mall, from 10am-6pm, Monday 30 November to Saturday 5 December, to help tackle the borough’s poor record of stroke and heart disease.

Mike Rich, Executive Director of UK charity the Blood Pressure Association, said: “It’s not just Santa Claus, with his portly stature and unhealthy diet of mince pies and brandy, who may be at risk of heart health problems. Health conditions like high blood pressure can affect anyone and are often symptomless, so I hope all eligible Barking and Dagenham residents will stop by.”

Margaret Hodge, MP for Barking, said: “It’s an excellent idea for health screening to set up shop in the Vicarage Field Shopping Centre as it makes it so easy for residents to drop in for these vital tests. I hope this festive venture will help Barking and Dagenham residents to have a healthier and happier New Year.”

Notes to editors:

• Santa Claus will be at Vicarage Field Shopping Centre every Saturday until Christmas from 11am-5pm, starting Saturday 5 December. He will be on the Upper Level, in front of the Christmas display, and children can have their photograph taken with him.
  
• The Blood Pressure Association is the UK’s blood pressure charity which aims to lower the nation’s blood pressure. The award-winning charity provides information and support for people with high blood pressure and raises awareness about its prevention. For more details visit www.bpassoc.org.uk or call 020 8722 4994.