The people of the Isle of Man are getting a health check.

We are all being invited to take part in a survey on the issue.

Initially 7,000 households chosen at random will be invited to participate in the latest health and lifestyle survey, before it is opened to everyone from March 18.

Results from the survey provide information for public health officials, and will be used to help them make decisions on where to spend money and come up with health improvement initiatives.

Participants are asked about mental health, ’active travel’ and workplace wellbeing as well as tobacco, alcohol and substance misuse.

Data from the survey will also be used to compare the Isle of Man with other jurisdictions.

Letters are being sent to a representative cross-section of the population this week, requesting that one adult in each household completes the survey online, a process which should take around 30 minutes.

Addresses have been chosen at random using a publicly available database.

All answers will remain anonymous and no link will be made between information given and specific households.

It is government policy to help people to live longer, healthier lives and to help them take greater responsibility for their own health and wellbeing.

Director of public health Dr Henrietta Ewart said: ’The survey is a vital tool to assess health outcomes and to shape our health improvement work in the future. We last conducted this survey in 2017 so will be looking to see if there have been significant changes in the population’s health, wellbeing and lifestyle choices, two years on.’

She said the responses would show how far the work was having an impact on people’s health.

’Those taking part in the survey can be assured their input really does assist in planning for the future,’ she added.

’The Department of Health and Social Care needs robust evidence in order to set relevant, achievable policy and goals - and the survey gives us that. We appreciate the time and effort people will spend filling in the survey - they can be sure they’re making a genuine contribution to decision-making, ultimately for the public good.’

This year’s large-scale survey extends to the whole population on March 18, when anyone who would like to participate can do so.

The survey seeks a wider input in this way every three years, with interim surveys focusing on specific topic areas.

Paper copies of the survey will be made available to those initially invited to respond, if required.

On March 18, a web link will be publicised and paper copies made available at libraries around the island and from the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal in Douglas.