DEERFIELD, Ill., Oct. 31, 2011 - According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 2 million new cases of diabetes were diagnosed in people 20 years and older last year. If current trends continue, one of three American adults could have diabetes by 2050. To help customers find out if they may be at risk for diabetes, select Walgreens (NYSE: WAG)(NASDAQ: WAG) stores across the country will offer free blood glucose testing during National Diabetes Month this November.
Free blood glucose testing will be available in 33 states and Washington, D.C. with a coupon through November. A coupon for the test, a $20 value, can be found in each store and in Walgreens weekly ad in many Sunday newspapers. To find the nearest Walgreens offering this service, visit the store locator at http://www.walgreens.com/findastore and check the “health tests” box, or call 1-877-W-and-YOU (1-877-926-3968).
Last November, one in four customers who received blood glucose tests in Walgreens stores during diabetes awareness events tested outside of the desired range or high, meaning they might be at risk for developing diabetes.
“Diabetes is a serious health issue facing communities across the country and blood glucose testing is an example of how our pharmacists are offering accessible, preventable health care services that help people live well and stay well,” said Suzanne Hansen, Walgreens group vice president of pharmacy operations. “We want customers and patients to understand their numbers and the importance of knowing that they can make informed decisions about their health.”
Walgreens pharmacists conduct blood glucose tests with a quick fingerstick. Tests are available to people 18 and older at select stores during pharmacy hours daily with no appointment necessary. All customers getting a blood glucose test will receive a pharmacist consultation to help better understand results.
Test results are not for diagnostic or treatment purposes and are not conclusive as to the absence or presence of any health condition. Recipients are encouraged to share test results with their primary care physician.
In addition to free blood glucose testing, all participating 24-hour Walgreens will hold “Wellness Wednesdays” events from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 2, 9 and 16. Locations will provide information about diabetes management, Bayer Blood Glucose Meters and also feature in-store sampling of Glucerna Hungersmart bars and shakes that are specially formulated for people with diabetes.
Walgreens also teamed up with Sharps and Novo Nordisk to offer a safe and easy needle disposal option for people who self-inject medications. When customers purchase the Complete Needle™ Collection & Disposal System, they will receive a rebate form at the register for the $4.99 cost of the system through the end of November. For customers concerned with environmentally-responsible disposal, the receipt will also include a coupon for free return postage and treatment of the container and needles (a $20 value).
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2011 sales of $72 billion. The company operates 7,779 drugstores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Each day, Walgreens provides nearly 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. Take Care Health Systems is a Walgreens subsidiary that is the largest and most comprehensive manager of worksite health and wellness centers and in-store convenient care clinics, with more than 700 locations throughout the country.
Walgreens
Vivika Vergara, (847) 315-2923
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