WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy is getting set to kick off the 2011 "To Your Health" tour, in which it will provide free health screenings at more than 800 events in communities nationwide.
The drug store chain said Monday that the program, aimed at helping Americans determine their risk for chronic diseases and get on a path toward better health, is scheduled to launch in Houston and Miami on Saturday, March 5, and then head into in Dallas; Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; Atlanta; Philadelphia; and Chicago.
Each To Your Health event will offer adults $150 worth of screenings for diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, bone density (osteoporosis) and vision. Doctor consultations and medication reviews with a CVS pharmacist are also available, as are dental and chiropractic screenings and referrals for mammograms and pap smears in select locations.
CVS noted that the 2010 To Your Health tour detected health concerns in a high percentage of participants. Of those screened, 34% had high cholesterol; 38% had a high to moderate risk of developing osteoporosis; 37% had hypertension; and 29% had diabetes, with more than half diagnosed with diabetes for the first time.
"Early detection is critical to managing — and in some cases reversing — the effects of chronic diseases like diabetes," Troy Brennan, chief medical officer of CVS Caremark Corp., said in a statement. "CVS/pharmacy is committed to improving access to preventive care and ensuring that cost is not a barrier to these important health screenings."
CVS said To Your Health will launch in seven markets with "The Makeover Mile," a one-mile health walk led by medical and diet expert Dr. Ian Smith that aims to fight obesity and urge Americans to lead healthier lifestyles.
"Exercise is an important way to combat weight gain and obesity, which can contribute to many chronic diseases," stated Smith, creator of the 50 Million Pound Challenge, an online weight-loss community with more than 1.6 million members. "The Makeover Mile walk will encourage people to get out and take active steps toward better health. The To Your Health screenings will give adult participants critical information about their health status and risk for chronic disease."
To Your Health begins with The Makeover Mile walks in Houston (March 5), Dallas (March 12), Los Angeles (March 26), the District of Columbia (April 2), Atlanta (April 9), Philadelphia (May 21) and Chicago (June 4). Sponsored by CVS and Coca-Cola Co.’s Live Positively Initiative, the To Your Health/Makeover Mile events will also feature fitness and healthy cooking demonstrations, music, fitness equipment giveaways and educational activities for children.
CVS noted that it’s also helping people manage chronic disease through its ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes program, which offers members of the chain’s customer loyalty program discounts and rewards on the purchase of diabetes supplies. The retailer said information on ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes and other free resources will be available at To Your Health events.
