FREE diabetes and BMI checks will be available for shoppers at a city centre event on Wednesday (Jan 25).

The event, which is part of Leicester's Healthy Hearts campaign, will take place from 11am until 2pm on Humberstone Gate, to raise awareness of the effects smoking and other lifestyle factors have on the heart.

The STOP! smoking service, along with other professionals, will be on hand to provide advice and support and free BMI and diabetes checks.

Deb Watson, director of public health and health improvement for the city, said: "Carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke harms your heart. It furs up your arteries, raises your blood pressure and thickens your blood. But the good news is that within 20 minutes of your last cigarette, your carbon monoxide levels start to fall, and within two days it will all be gone. The only thing that will set you back is lighting up again.

"I would urge people to take part in the free health checks and get some valuable advice on how they can turn their lives around and get healthy."

Assistant Mayor Councillor Sood, who has responsibility for health, said: "Whether you're a smoker who needs some extra motivation to keep your New Year's resolution going beyond January, or you're someone who wants to make some changes to your lifestyle but are not sure where to start, this event is for you. There is a wealth of tools and support available to help you to reduce your risk of developing heart disease."

Leicester's Healthy Heart campaign is being run in partnership with NHS Leicester City and Leicester City Council.

For more information on stopping smoking, call STOP! on 0116 295 4141 or visit: www.leicestershealthyheart.co.uk