From your head to your toes, take a look at the health checks that are well worth prioritising
Everyone is different, especially when it comes to our health. So whatever your concern – be it high blood pressure, mole changes or maintaining your eye health, get checked using our range of healthcare services and tailored advice.
While there’s a whole host of health checks you can do, we’ve handpicked a few that you might want to consider doing, so take note.
For a comprehensive assessment that checks for common health concerns such as heart disease and stroke, the free NHS health check service may be for you.
1. Manage your blood pressure
Blood pressure is the measure of the force that your heart uses to pump blood around your body.
Keeping your blood pressure under control is key to caring for your overall health, as high blood pressure (medically known as hypertension), can increase your risk of having a heart attack and stroke, as well as kidney failure, heart failure and problems with your vision. So, whether you choose to use a blood pressure monitor at home or the NHS Blood Pressure Checking Service, knowing your reading can help you take the next steps to looking after your health.
What to expect
Pop into one of 900 Boots stores (across England only) and ask our pharmacy team about the NHS Blood Pressure Checking Service. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online at selected Boots stores or check our store locator, ensuring you select the ‘Hypertension Case Finding Service filter’. If eligible, you’ll then have a private consultation with the pharmacist where they’ll take your blood pressure reading and offer the appropriate advice and next steps.
Who can use this service?
This NHS Blood Pressure Checking Service is only available in England. You're eligible if you live in England and:
• You’re aged 40 years or older and you don’t currently have a diagnosis of hypertension
• You’re under 40 and have a recognised family history of hypertension*
• You’ve been referred by your GP
*This is at the pharmacists discretion.
You can also get your BMI and waist circumference checked alongside your blood pressure, as part of the free NHS Health MOT at Boots**, which we’ll get into next.
2. Know your BMI (Body Mass Index) score
There are many things that impact your weight and general health, from diet and exercise to genetics and certain medications. Your BMI is a measurement that tells you if you’re a healthy weight.
How it works
Your BMI check takes into account your height and weight to calculate a BMI score. An ideal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9, but if your reading is:
• Below 18.5 – you’re within the underweight range
• Between 18.5 and 24.9 – you're within the healthy weight range
• 30 or over – you're within the obese range
You can check if you’re a healthy weight by getting a BMI check done as part of the free NHS Health MOT at Boots.** This service includes a compulsory blood pressure check (as mentioned above), and the BMI reading is an additional service you can opt in to. You can use your BMI result as a starting point for discussion with your GP.
Who can use this service?
You’re eligible for the free NHS Health MOT at Boots if you live in England and:
• You’re aged 40 years or older and you don’t currently have a diagnosis of hypertension
• You’re under 40 and have a recognised family history of hypertension*
• You’ve been referred by your GP
If you don’t meet the eligibility criteria for the free NHS Health MOT at Boots, you can check your BMI using the NHS BMI calculator.
*This is at the pharmacists discretion.
3. Get your moles checked
Most of us have moles on our skin – from our faces and feet to our arms and legs – so it’s important that you regularly check moles for any difference in colour, shape, size or any new moles and pigmented lesions, as these could be a sign of melanoma (a type of skin cancer). If you’re concerned, you can find a Mole Scanning Service^ near you using our store locator. While the Mole Scanning Service doesn’t diagnose cancer, it can indicate whether a suspicious looking mole or lesion needs further testing.
What to expect
The Mole Scanning Service has two stages:
Stage 1 (lasting around 20 minutes)
You’ll have a private consultation with the pharmacy team where you’ll complete a consent form and a short questionnaire to assess your risk factors for skin cancer. You’ll be asked to identify the mole or pigmented lesion to be scanned, which will be done using a ScreenCancer dermatoscopic imaging device. This will then be sent to a ScreenCancer Dermatology Specialist.
Stage 2
A ScreenCancer Dermatology Specialist will analyse your scans for signs of malignant melanoma and send your results within a week. A ScreenCancer Dermatology Nurse will contact you to discuss your next steps if the scan shows that your mole or pigmented lesion is at risk.
Who can use this service?
You’re eligible for the Mole Scanning Service if you’re 18 years old and over. However, if you’re under 18 and you’re concerned about your moles, speak to your GP.
This service is unable to scan any moles or pigmented lesions in the following areas:
• In an intimate area of the body (such as genitals)
• On the eyelid or the tip of the ear
• An area covered by excessive hair
• An area that’s wet, open or bleeding
• On a tattoo
If any of these apply to you, speak to your GP for advice.
^Eligibility criteria and charges apply.
4. Test for diabetes
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes the blood sugar levels (glucose) to become too high. There are two main types of diabetes:
• Type 1 – where the body’s immune system attacks the cells that produce the hormone insulin
• Type 2 – the most common type of diabetes where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or the body doesn’t react to insulin
Some people can also be prediabetic, which is where a person’s blood sugar level is above the normal range, increasing the risk of developing diabetes. For more information on diabetes, take a look at the different types of diabetes and their symptoms.
Speak to your GP if you think you may be prediabetic or have diabetes. Alternatively, you can order a diabetes home test.
What to expect
The HbA1c Home Test Kit† works by testing a blood sample for your average glucose levels. In a few simple steps, order your home test kit through the Boots Online Doctor service and follow the instructions to collect the blood sample needed. From receiving your sample, test results can take between two and three working days. If your results show you’re prediabetic or diabetic, speak to your GP for the next steps.
Who can use this test kit?
If you’re 18 years old or older, you can test your thyroid using the home test kit, available through Boots Online Doctor. However, if you’re under 18 and you’re concerned about the health of your thyroid, speak to your GP.
†Boots Online Doctor home test kit service is subject to an online questionnaire filled out by the patient that is reviewed by a clinician to assess suitability. Eligibility criteria and charges apply. Subject to availability.
5. Check the health of your thyroid
Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck. It’s responsible for producing the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), that help regulate your body’s metabolism. Some people face an imbalance or abnormal production of these hormones which can slow down some of the body’s functions and lead to common thyroid problems, such as underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). If you’re concerned about the health of your thyroid, speak to your GP or consider doing a home test.
What to expect
The Thyroid Test Kit† helps determine the health of your thyroid glands by testing your blood for the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and T4. Simply follow the instructions and your results will come back to you in around three working days. If your results indicate your thyroid isn’t as healthy as it should be, speak to your GP.
Who can use this test kit?
If you’re 18 years old or older, you can test your thyroid using the home test kit, available through Boots Online Doctor. However, if you’re under 18 and you’re concerned about the health of your thyroid, speak to your GP.
†Boots Online Doctor home test kit service is subject to an online questionnaire filled out by the patient that is reviewed by a clinician to assess suitability. Eligibility criteria and charges apply. Subject to availability.
6. Keep on top of your sexual health
While it’s healthy to enjoy one of life’s pleasures, it’s also important to prioritise your sexual health. Practising safe sex is a fundamental way to help protect you against a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Whether it’s your first time with someone new or between you and your partner, encourage one another to get tested and always use a condom, as this provides a protective barrier against STIs.
There are a number of common STIs but fear not, as there are a number of options available too. From discreet STI home test kits to advice and treatment, find the right service for you.
If you’ve noticed some changes down there and you’ve recently been sexually active, it’s worth getting checked for a possible STI. For some STIs, you can do this using one of our STI home test kits.†
The available STI home test kits include:
• Boots Online Doctor Chlamydia Home Test Kit for women and for men†
• Boots Online Doctor HIV Home Test Kit†
• Boots Online Doctor Chlamydia Gonorrhoea Home Test Kit, one for men and one for women†
If you think you have symptoms for another type of STI that isn’t listed above, visit your sexual health clinic or speak to your GP.
What to expect
Each STI home test kit works differently, depending on the type of STI and your gender too. For chlamydia and gonorrhoea, you’ll need to collect either a vaginal swab for women or a urine sample for men, while the HIV test works by taking a finger-prick blood sample. You should receive your results within two to three days. If your results come back positive, make an appointment with your GP or visit your sexual health clinic to discuss your results, treatment options and next steps. Remember, most STIs are treatable, meaning you can still live a healthy life.
If you test positive for HIV, schedule an appointment with your GP. It’s likely that you’ll have a few questions, so to help put your mind at ease in the meantime, take a look as we answer some of the most common questions on HIV.
Who can use this test service?
Anyone who is sexually active and over the age of 16 is eligible for this service. However, if you’re concerned about a possible STI or need advice regarding your sexual health, speak to your GP or consider visiting a sexual health clinic.
†Boots Online Doctor home test kit service is subject to an online questionnaire filled out by the patient that is reviewed by a clinician to assess suitability. Eligibility criteria and charges apply. Subject to availability.
7. Brush up on your dental hygiene
Brushing our teeth twice a day is part of our daily routine, much like making our beds and getting dressed in the morning, so it’s crucial we take extra care when it comes to our oral health and visit our dentist regularly – but how regularly? Depending on how healthy your teeth and gums are, the time between check-ups can span from three months to two years, although the average time is usually around six months.
What to expect
During your appointment, your dentist will take a look at the general health of your teeth, gums and mouth to check for any potential dental problems. They’ll also:
• Ask about your general health and teeth-cleaning habits
• Ask about any problems you’ve had since your last visit, if any
• Ask about your lifestyle (such as smoking, alcohol consumption and diet)
• Arrange a date for your next check-up
If you fail to go to the dentist or leave problems untreated, this can make them more difficult to treat down the line. Poor dental hygiene can also have an impact on our overall health. It’s sometimes associated with other chronic conditions such as poor diabetic control and lung disease. So, if you’re concerned about your oral health or you want to keep your teeth and gums in mint condition, take a look at our top dental hygiene tips.
8. Look out for your eye health
Our eyes take us through a lifetime of memories, so it’s important we keep an eye on their health. An eye test will check the overall health of your eyes, how clearly you can see and assess whether you need any extra support with your vision. It’s recommended to get your eyes tested at least every two years to identify any potential problems with your eyesight. You can book your eye test online through the Boots app or over the phone on 0345 125 3752.±
±Local rates apply from BT landlines in the UK and other providers' charges may vary. All calls will be recorded or monitored for quality and training purposes.
What to expect
During your appointment, your optician may carry out an eye pressure check using a machine to blow a puff of air onto your eye. They may also carry out a visual field test which can help to identify early signs of eye conditions such as glaucoma. Your optometrist will then use a range of checks to look at various aspects of your eyesight and eye health – from how clearly you can see at all distances and your ability to change focus, to signs of conditions like cataracts, which can become more common as we age. They’ll also check for signs of any health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension).
For more information, take a look at what to expect during your eye test.
If you’d like a more in-depth test, you can try our Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) eye scan service. This additional test only takes a couple of minutes and allows your optometrist to see what’s going on beneath the surface of your eye, showing different layers of your retina. This is done with a high-tech 3D OCT camera where light waves are used to help detect underlying conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.
For more information, take a look at what to expect during your OCT scan.
9. Take care of your hearing
Just as you would the dentist and opticians, it’s important to keep on top of your hearing health with regular checks. We want you to keep enjoying life at full volume, which is why at Boots Hearingcare, we offer a free hearing test which you can book online or through the Boots app.
What to expect
Your initial hearing test will take around 15 minutes and will be carried out by one of our audiologists or Hearing Wellness Advisors. During your test, you’ll get a general check of your ear health, a hearing screen and then you’ll be asked to respond to a series of sounds. This will indicate if there’s any issues with your hearing that should be assessed further in a full hearing test.
If your hearing health check suggests we need to spend more time with you to understand your hearing levels, or if you already wear hearing aids from somewhere other than Boots, we’ll invite you for a full hearing assessment. This appointment will take around 75 minutes and will include a thorough hearing test carried out by our audiologists. They’ll test your ability to hear speech in background noise, among other things, which will help them build a complete picture of your hearing health. You can also bring someone along with you who spends time with you, so they can let your audiologist know how you hear day-to-day.
If you don’t want to come into store for a hearing test, you can do one from home using our online service – all you need is a pair of headphones and a quiet space. If you’re worried about your hearing, speak to your GP.
10. Attend your cervical screenings
A cervical screening (or smear test) is one of the most important ways to protect yourself against cervical cancer. While some people may feel embarrassed, uncomfortable or nervous, it’s important to remember that this test could save your life.
What to expect
During your screening appointment, you’ll talk to your nurse about what to expect and ask any questions you may have. Then the nurse will take a small sample of cells from your cervix (the opening to your womb from your vagina). This is done by putting a tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into the vagina to open it slightly and using a small brush to sweep across the cervix. The test itself should only take a couple of minutes.
These cells will then be checked for certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) which can cause changes to the cells of your cervix, known as ‘high risk’ types of HPV. If these aren’t found then you don’t require any further tests, however, if these types of HPV are found, the sample will be tested for any changes in the cells of your cervix. The good news is these cells can be treated before they get a chance to develop into cervical cancer. You'll receive your results and next steps by letter, usually within a couple of weeks.
Who can have a smear test?
Women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 64 will get invited for a smear test by letter from the NHS. You’ll be encouraged to go for a smear test every three or five years, depending on your age, but it’s super-important that you do go to your appointment – after all, your nurse has seen plenty of women, they’re just there to do their job while trying to make you feel as comfortable as possible.
11. Be breast aware
Being ‘breasts aware’ could save your life. Regularly doing breast checks can help you detect changes to your breast tissue.
Self-examination of your breast is vital. It’s important to know what’s your ‘normal’, so it’s easier to spot any abnormal changes. After all, everyone’s breasts are different – some people have one larger than the other, and some change at different times of the month, such as during your menstrual cycle. Around the time of their period, some people experience tender and lumpy breasts, especially near the armpit. Breasts can also change during different life stages, such as after the menopause – they can feel softer, less firm and not as lumpy.
If you’re between the ages of 50 and 71, you’ll be invited for an NHS mammogram screening every three years. During your screening, you’ll have four X-rays (two for each breast) carried out by a specialist mammographer, to check for cancer cells that are too small to see or feel.
When it comes to doing your breast checks, they’re super easy to do – you can do them in the shower, in front of a mirror or while you’re lying in bed – all you need to do is:
• Move your fingers in a circular motion over the entire breast, armpit and up to your collarbone
• Go from top to bottom and side to side
• Lift your arms up to get a good look
What to look & feel for
Speak to your GP as soon as possible if you’re concerned about your breasts or notice any of the following:
• A sudden or unusual change in the shape or size of your breast
• A change in skin texture (such as dimpling, puckering, a rash or redness)
• A new lump, swelling, thickening or bumpy area in your breast or armpit
• Nipple discharge or bleeding from either of your nipples
• A change in nipple position (such as turning inwards or pointing differently)
• A rash, crusting, scaly or itchy skin on or around your nipple
• Any pain or discomfort in one breast or armpit, especially if it’s new or constant
• Swelling in or around the collarbone and armpit
12. Do regular testicular checks
Just like breast checks, a testicular self-examination is just as important to help detect early signs of cancer. Not sure how to check your testicles for cancer? Make sure you know what’s normal for you, then gently roll each testicle between your thumb and fingers to feel for any changes.
What to look & feel for
Speak to your GP as soon as possible if you’re concerned about your testicles or you notice any of the following:
• A hard lump on the front or side of a testicle
• Changes in the size, shape or consistency of the testicle (such as swelling or enlargement)
• Increased firmness of a testicle
• Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum (the sac that holds the testicles)
• An unusual difference between one testicle and the other
• A lump or swelling
Remember, our health is as individual as we are, so let’s do everything we can to prioritise it.
