Care Chemists Offers Free Health Check For Women

Media Release

Date: 16th August 2010

Care Chemist Encourages New Zealand Women To Take Better Care Of Themselves With Free Health Check

Care Chemist, New Zealand’s fastest growing community pharmacy group, is advising New Zealand women on how to pay more attention to their wellbeing as studies continue to confirm they are more likely to suffer from the ill effects of conditions such as high blood pressure and obesity.

To help women get back on track health wise, Care Chemist is offering all ages a free simple health check from 23-27 August. Blood pressure, BMI and waist measurement will all be measured and customers will be provided with their own Care Chemist wallet card to help keep track of their vital statistics.

Stroke is New Zealand’s second largest single cause of death. According to the New Zealand Stroke Foundation , annually about 8000 New Zealanders have a stroke, and one third of these are caused by high blood pressure. The majority of stroke deaths continue to be female (62.6%) and this proportion increases post-menopause.

‘The modern New Zealand woman is often time poor, juggling both a family and a career,’ explains Care Chemist spokesperson, Tania Adams. ‘This means she often forgets her own health needs or treats them as low priority.

‘Raised levels of stress, a poor diet and not enough exercise are all common amongst the 21st century woman, leaving her open to a whole range of health issues. It is so important that women pay as much attention to their own wellbeing as they do to their family and other commitments,’ adds Tania. ‘Keeping a healthy weight, taking regular exercise, stopping smoking, reducing the amount of alcohol that is consumed and eating plenty of fruit and vegetables can all contribute towards a longer, healthier life. Women should also not be afraid or feel guilty about taking time to visit their GP or pharmacist if they have a health concern. It is better to be safe than sorry.’

After menopause a woman's risk of heart disease (including high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke) increases. The risk of developing osteoporosis (bone thinning) also grows.

Care Chemist pharmacists will be giving out a free brochure instore, to help women understand menopause and the time leading up to it (called Perimenopause). The “What is Perimenopause” brochure features a straightforward questionnaire for women who are not sure whether they are going through menopause or not. It also includes tips on different types of treatment that can help ease symptoms such as hot flushes.

Pre-booking is necessary for the free blood pressure, waist and BMI health check. This can be done by phoning any participating Care Chemist.

For more information on Care Chemist, visit www.carechemist.co.nz

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