IT WAS smiles all round for members of Burtonwood’s Silver Fox Club after they received health checks from LiveWire.

The community group were visited by LiveWire’s Lifestyles team, who offered health advice alongside heart and blood pressure checks.

Amongst the visitors were Paul Corless and Matt Fairhurst from LiveWire and Warrington Hospital’s Dr Ahmed Farag.

One of the checks the silver foxes received was for blood pressure and atrial fibrillation, which is a common heart condition that causes an erratic heart.

This, like high blood pressure, can significantly increase the sufferer’s risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Dr Farag said: “The problem is that despite their serious health consequences, both high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation can remain asymptomatic for a long time before being diagnosed.

“The good news is that they are both relatively easy to diagnose and treat.

“We are hoping to raise public awareness about the importance of healthy lifestyle choices and encourage regular check-ups to allow for early detection and treatment.

“After all, prevention is best intervention”

Paul Corless, Lifestyles Advisor, also added: “A simple way to look after your heart health is to eat more fruit and vegetables, reduce your sugar intake and increase your activity levels.

“This can be as easy as taking the stairs instead of the lift, enjoying a lunchtime walk or by doing some gardening.

“One of the highest risks for heart attacks and strokes though is smoking, with smokers almost twice as likely to encounter problems than people who have never smoked.”

To combat this, LiveWire offer a free stop smoking service which supports people when becoming smoke free and helps them make healthier lifestyle changes.

For referral, please see a GP, practice nurse or call 0300 0030 818.

The Silver Fox Club meet every Tuesday between 9.30am and 11.30am at Burtonwood Library.

They aim to address social isolation and help local men make friends whilst enjoying a cup of tea and a chat.

For those interesting in joining, you are welcome to drop in during one of the weekly sessions or call the library on 01925 226563.