How television could save the lives of Scotland’s 40-something couch potatoes Case study
COUCH potato culture is usually blamed for Scotland’s health problems … but government ministers now plan to improve the nation’s wellbeing using digital TV and the remote control.
From next week, people turning 40 across the country will be invited to have a health MoT either online or over the phone.
They will be asked about their lifestyle to detect early warning signs of killers such as heart disease.
The Life Begins at 40 scheme has already been piloted in the Grampian region and the Scottish Government believes it will help prevent serious ill health.
However, in a bid to reach those least likely to participate – including people in deprived areas who may not have a computer at home – the Government is considering allowing patients to access the questionnaire on digital TV. They will fill in the answers using their remote.
Digital TV is available in 80% of social housing and viewed in a quarter of homes without a computer.
Professor Phil Hanlon, a public health expert at Glasgow University, said while the idea tapped into the culture of inactivity behind Scotland’s obesity problems, he predicted elements of healthcare, such as reminders for elderly patients, would be delivered increasingly via TV sets. “This is the thin end of the wedge and like any new technology it’s got its pluses and minuses,” he said.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon faces criticism from opposition politicians over the checks as they involve self-assessment rather than a face-to-face consultation.
Professor Hanlon said there was evidence people reach “teachable moments” when they are more responsive to health tips, often after an episode of illness, but also at milestones in life such as a 40th birthday.
Around 74,000 people in Scotland are due to get their ‘MoT’ this year. A pilot scheme is also being launched to look at introducing face-to-face heart health checks for the over-40s. Around 20,000 patients in different deprived areas will be invited for the Keep Well consultation and offered screening.
Public Health Minister Shona Robison said: “It’s important that people are encouraged to check their health. We want to make it as easy and convenient as possible.”
NHS 24 medical director Dr George Crooks said: “Turning 40 can be a time for making lifestyle choices and is an ideal, positive time for people to start thinking more about a healthy future.”
“Turning 40 is the ideal time to think about your health,” said Helen Togneri, of Fraserburgh. The mother-of-four was one of around 2000 people who took part in the Grampian pilot.
“Inviting people to take part gives them the gentle push they need to take responsibility for their own health,” she said.
As a busy mother and grandmother, Helen admits it is often difficult finding time for herself between her family and her job as a full-time support worker for adults with learning disabilities.
“It can sometimes be difficult to make time for seeing a GP or health worker,” she said.
“My job can be stressful,” she said, “and coming up to 40 I noticed this more. I sat down for an hour or two in the evening to go through the questionnaire. Taking this time now could bring benefits in the future.”
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