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SpanishNHS Targeted Lung Health Checks in East Riding of Yorkshire
Good news, NHS Targeted Lung Health Checks are available in your area and are open to past and present smokers aged between 55 and 74, and who are registered with a local GP.
What is a Lung Health Check?
A Lung Health Check consists of an initial phone consultation with a specialist nurse, who will ask you some questions about your breathing and overall lung health and about your lifestyle, family and medical history.
Following this, you may be offered an ultra-low dose CT scan to check for early signs of lung cancer or other lung diseases. If you are invited to have a scan this will take place in a mobile unit at a convenient location within the local community.
How to book
Invites are being sent out in a phased approach by GP practices (see our FAQs for more info). Past and current smokers, aged between 55 and 74, who are registered with Holderness Health or Eastgate Medical Group and live in one of the following places, are currently being invited for a Lung Health Check:
- Hornsea
- Withernsea
- Grimston
- Welwick
- Albrough
- Fitling
- Skeffling
- Hilston
- Easington
- Ottringham
- Roos
- Winestead
- Kilnsea
- Flinton
- Patrington/Haven
- Weeton
- Owstwick
- Sunk Island
- Tunstall
- Holmpton
If eligible for a Lung Health Check, you’ll receive a letter from your GP inviting you to make an appointment, simply call the telephone number on your letter to book. Please do not turn up at the mobile unit without an appointment as we will be unable to see you.
Where is my nearest Lung Health Check mobile unit?
The NHS Lung Health Check mobile unit will be located at different locations across the area to make it easy to access. The unit will be based at East Riding Leisure Centre, Withernsea HU19 2QA, from October 31st 2023.
Whether you’re travelling by bus, car, or walking, information on how to get to the Leisure Centre can be found here.
Find out more
More information is available in this booklet.
An EasyRead version is also available.
If you require information in another language, please contact [email protected]
What if I’m not eligible but have concerns?
Targeted Lung Health Checks are being offered to past and present smokers aged between 55 and 74, and who are registered with a local GP. This is because research shows these people are most at risk of developing lung problems.
If you or someone you know doesn’t fit into the criteria for a Lung Heath Check but is worried about any of the symptoms below a GP appointment should be sought as soon as possible:
• A persistent cough or change in your normal cough
• Coughing up blood
• Being short of breath
• Unexplained tiredness or weight loss
• An ache or pain when breathing or coughing
• Appetite loss
Simple steps for healthy lungs
Our lungs deliver oxygen to and remove carbon dioxide from the body. They work hard every minute of your life so it’s important to look after them to keep them working well. It’s never too late to take steps to improve your lung health. Below are just a few of the things that you can do:
Keeping active
Small amounts of regular exercise is great for maintaining our overall health as well as that of our lungs. During exercise your muscles work harder, and your body uses more oxygen, this improves your cardio-respiratory fitness making it easier for your lungs to keep your heart and muscles supplied with oxygen. Aim for 20 minutes of moderate activity daily, such as a brisk walk or bike ride
Eating healthily
Maintaining a healthy weight and choosing healthy food options is again important for our overall health. But did you know that certain foods can also support lung health? A plant-based diet or Mediterranean-style diets consisting of leafy greens, fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes can support lung health as they are high in antioxidants such as vitamin E and vitamin C and anti-inflammatory properties
Quitting smoking and staying smoke-free
Smoking damages the lungs and is a leading cause of lung disease. Stopping smoking is the most important step a person can take to protect their lungs and that of others from passive smoking. If you smoke it is never too late to stop. There’s a range of advice available via the NHS Better Health stop smoking website and you can also speak with your local stop smoking service:
NE Lincs Wellbeing Service
Phone: 01472 325500
Email: [email protected]
North Lincolnshire Healthy Lifestyle Service
Phone: 01724 298212
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01482 977617
Email: [email protected]
Living Well Smokefree North Yorkshire
Phone: 01609 797272
Email: [email protected]
City of York Council Stop Smoking Service (via City of York Council Health Trainers)
Phone: 01904 553377
Email: [email protected]
Getting coughs checked
A persistent cough can be an early warning sign of lung disease, including COPD and lung cancer. Other symptoms might include feeling more breathless or noticing chest pain. Don’t ignore or dismiss these symptoms; speak to your GP.
Watching your breathing
Simple breathing techniques can help to keep your lung functioning effectively such as:
Diaphragmatic breathing - Concentrate on lowering the diaphragm as you breathe in, for a deeper inhale
Deep breathing – As you slowly inhale, expand your belly and lower the diaphragm. Next, expand your ribs and allow the upper chest to expand and lift. Exhale by letting the chest fall, the ribs contract and your stomach muscles in, lifting up the diaphragm to expel the last bit of air.
Counting your breaths –Start by counting how long a natural breath takes. The length of time to inhale should be the same as the length of time to exhale. Once you know your average breath count, add a count to each inhale and exhale to extend the length of time it takes to fill and empty your lungs.
Watching your posture
The lungs are soft structures and only take up the amount of room we give them. Maintaining a good posture can provide our lungs with the space they need to function effectively. Maintain an upright good posture and lift and open your chest as you breathe deeply to maximise your lung capacity.