MEN from Warrington came together for an event aimed at making positive health changes.

Men aged 40-74 were invited to the event hosted by three GP practices in the East Warrington Primary Network (PCN) - Birchwood Medical Centre, Fearnhead Cross Medical Centre and Padgate Medical Centre.

It was held at The Halliwell Jones Stadium last week and was supported by the Warrington Wolves Foundation, LiveWire and consultant intervention Cardiologist Dr Farag.

During the evening, attendees were inspired and empowered to make small lifestyle changes each day, to bring about positive health outcomes and to reduce their overall cardiovascular risks.

Dr Rakhi Raj, GP Padgate Medical Centre and clinical director to East Warrington PCN spoke about the importance of looking after our hearts, the challenges we face and what factors in our daily life influence the risks of heart attacks and strokes.

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Meanwhile, Dr Farag, an interventional cardiologist at Warrington Hospital, spoke passionately about the heart, including the mechanisms of heart attacks and how lifestyle changes can support better outcomes, and reduce the risks of heart attacks.

The men also got active during a workshop led by James Howes, health and wellbeing manager at the Warrington Wolves Charitable Foundation.

They walked a lap of the rugby pitch while learning about the importance of being active, of sleep, and of mental wellbeing.

Meanwhile, blood pressure checks and atrial fibrillation tests were carried out by LiveWire and advice on how making healthy food and drink swaps can support weight management was given.

There are over seven million people in the UK living with cardiovascular disease, which includes heart attack and stroke and many of the contributing factors are lifestyle choices.

Making small lifestyle changes can have a big impact on your health and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which was the take-home message of the night.

People aged 40 to 74 who do not have a pre-existing health condition are invited to have a free NHS Health Check by their GP, once every five years as part of a national programme. The NHS Health Check aims to lower your risk of getting conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

Many of the warning signs for these conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, do not have symptoms, so it’s important to get checked out and get advice and support to reduce the risk of developing problems in the future.