Further expanding the scope of convenient, preventive health care
services provided by its pharmacists, Walgreens (NYSE: WAG) (NASDAQ:
WAG) is now offering daily testing for cholesterol, blood glucose and
body composition at nearly 200 stores in California. Each test also
includes a free blood pressure reading and personal consultation with a
Walgreens pharmacist.
“Providing convenient, affordable access to health testing services is
an important part of our commitment to disease prevention and chronic
care management,” said Hayley Park, market pharmacy director, Walgreens.
“As the most accessible health care providers, our pharmacists are
spending more time with patients through consultations, immunizations,
medication questions or concerns, health testing and other important
services to help our customers get, stay and live well.”
Tests are available to those ages 18 and over at most stores during
pharmacy hours daily with no appointment necessary. Walgreens offers
health testing daily at more than 4,100 stores in 41 states. To find the
nearest Walgreens offering these testing services, visit the store
locator at www.walgreens.com/findahealthtest,
or call 1-877-W-and-YOU (1-877-926-3968). Tests are subject to
availability.
Walgreens pharmacists administer tests by fingerstick. Cost for testing
is:
-
Cholesterol - $35
-
Blood Glucose - $20
-
Body Composition - $15
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Wellness Pack: Cholesterol, Blood Glucose and Body Composition - $65
-
Blood pressure – free now through Feb. 28 in support of National Heart
Health Month and included with every health test
Test results are not for diagnostic or treatment purposes and are not
conclusive as to the absence or presence of any health condition.
Patients are encouraged to share test results with their primary care
physician.
Cholesterol Testing
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends that all adults
have their cholesterol levels checked at least every five years.
However, adults over age 45 or with other risk factors for heart disease
or stroke should talk with their primary care physician about whether
more frequent testing is necessary. Walgreens total cholesterol tests
include a review of triglycerides, HDL and LDL. Fasting food and drinks
(other than water) for 9 -12 hours may be required for full cholesterol
panel tests.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
one-third of U.S. adults have high cholesterol, which can significantly
increase the risk of heart disease or stroke.
Blood Glucose Testing
The American Diabetes Association recommends blood glucose testing every
three years for people with normal levels or in good health with no risk
factors. Those who are overweight and/or over age 45 should talk with
their doctor about whether more frequent testing is recommended. For
more information or recommendations regarding testing and regulating
blood glucose visit, www.diabetes.org.
Body Composition Testing
The American Heart Association recommends body composition tests to
detect various health problems including high blood pressure and
diabetes which can increase risk for heart disease and stroke.
About Walgreens
As the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2013 sales of $72
billion, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com)
vision is to be the first choice in health and daily living for everyone
in America, and beyond. Each day, Walgreens provides more than 6 million
customers the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and
services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness
services and advice in communities across America. Walgreens scope of
pharmacy services includes retail, specialty, infusion, medical facility
and mail service, along with respiratory services. These services
improve health outcomes and lower costs for payers including employers,
managed care organizations, health systems, pharmacy benefit managers
and the public sector. The company operates 8,206 drugstores in all 50
states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
Islands. Take Care Health Systems is a Walgreens subsidiary that is the
largest and most comprehensive manager of worksite health and wellness
centers, provider practices, and in-store convenient care clinics, with
more than 750 locations throughout the country.
Copyright Business Wire 2014