Simon from Shotts

How did you feel when you were invited to attend a Keep Well health check?

At first I wasn’t sure, because it was something new. But I just knew that I had a problem with my weight and the more help I could get the better. I also felt I had a problem with my blood pressure. I don’t go to my doctor very often so I thought this was a good opportunity for me to mention this.

What happened at the health check?

When I did go they asked me lots of different questions, some of which were quite difficult for me. I had a good cholesterol level, so I was quite pleased with that. But there was a problem with my blood pressure, which was a concern. They also weighed me and they recommended I lose some weight, and I agreed, and this would help my blood pressure.

How did you feel about this?

They explained I would go and see somebody else at Counterweight who would help me to lose weight. Normally you go to the doctors and they just tell you to lose weight and away you go. But you had somebody to help and I think that is the most important thing for me, there was somebody there that I could go and talk to, without feeling that I’m wasting the doctor’s time.

What did Counterweight help you with?

They started off weighing me and measuring my waist and they gave me plenty of leaflets. It’s difficult for me because I’m a coeliac so a lot of the food which they recommended, I can’t eat. But Debbie, was really, really good and she listened and never tried to push me. I brought my wife along, because she does the cooking, and eventually I got my wife to join as well. Through Debbie I got even more support from Helen at Community Renewal, without me even asking. Helen has done so much for me.

Have you been able to made changes to what you are eating?

We’ve definitely made a big difference to the way we’ve been eating. We weren’t a family who ate fatty food, but some things like sugar we thought weren’t fat. Through all the little leaflets, all the booklets they give you, they tell you what to watch for and there are hints in the booklet. If you fall slightly to one side it’s not a problem, the next day you just get straight back onto it. There are hints about how to make yourself feel better within yourself as well.

Have you been able to do more exercise?

I’ve had free gym membership, which has been good. I find it really difficult to get into the swimming pool, so I wouldn’t go on my own. But because my wife is now with Counterweight they’ve got her into exercise as well so we go together, it’s really good.

I think if I did have health concerns in the future I certainly would go to the practice now. It’s something I probably would have done in the past, but I suddenly realise there is a network of nurses in the practices as well that I would certainly go and see.