National Salt Awareness Week begins next Monday, February 1.

NHS Wirral is running a series of road shows - some of which will be broadcasting live on 7 Waves community radio - to encourage people to cut down on salt.

While many people know salt is bad for them, they don’t realise it’s linked to serious health conditions such as stroke, heart disease, osteoporosis, stomach cancer, obesity and kidney disease.

The road shows will include cookery demonstrations and information about healthy eating, as well as offering people a free lifestyle assessment and the chance to speak to a health trainer or community health advisor about the free health classes and activities taking place across Wirral.

Public Health Practitioner Debbie McColm said: "Salt is associated with health problems such as high blood pressure, but many people think eating too much salt won’t affect them.

"It is important for everyone to reduce the amount of salt in their diet to the maximum recommended target of 6 grams a day.

"Simple changes such as reading the labels of foods, choosing lower salt ingredients and not adding salt during cooking or at the table can minimise the risk of developing serious health problems."

In addition the Wirral Working 4 Health team will be at the road shows offering help, advice and support to anyone who’s struggling to cope at work or find work because of a health problem.

The road shows are taking place from 10am-3pm at: Monday, Feb 1 - St Barnabas, Village Road, Bromborough Tuesday, Feb 2 - Rock Ferry Community Hall, Old Chester Road, Rock Ferry Friday, Feb 5 - Netto, Stanley Road, Birkenhead For further information call Debbie McColm on 0151 201 4163