Early detection matters.
Health screenings are an important well-being tool that pharmacies provide in their communities, offering preventative care and early detection of certain common and serious diseases.
“The role of community pharmacies is not to assume the role of GPs but to provide easy and cost-effective access to important health screenings. The pharmacy is equipped to manage certain vital screenings, but Men’s Health Month also serves as a reminder to visit your GP for a prostate and testicular cancer screening as well as a general medical check up”, says Link’s St Francis pharmacy owner Shaun Kennedy.
What are some of the vital screenings that your pharmacy offers which can have a far-reaching impact on your health?
- Blood glucose levels.
- Blood pressure readings.
- Cholesterol levels.
- Body Mass Index.
According to the Pharmacy Times these are the most common screenings conducted by pharmacies. Why are these screenings so important?
Blood glucose levels:
According to the Centre for Communicable Diseases, Type 2 diabetes symptoms may develop over years without being noticed. A simple blood test will indicate that you may have diabetes which your GP can then treat.
Blood pressure readings:
South Africa’s Heart Foundation advises that high blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most serious risk factors for death from heart diseases and strokes, responsible for 13% of all deaths globally. In South Africa, it is estimated that 1 in every 3 adults live with high blood pressure. This disease is known as the ‘silent killer’ as there are seldom any warning signs. It is certainly worth talking to your pharmacist about a quick screening so that you can be referred to your GP for treatment if need be.
Cholesterol levels:
The Heart Foundation explains that although everyone has cholesterol in their blood, too much cholesterol can form clots which block narrowed arteries that feed the heart or brain, potentially causing a stroke or heart attack.
A screening by your pharmacist can put your mind at ease or lead you to visiting to your GP for medication and advice about any lifestyle changes needed.
BMI (Body Mass Index):
BMI is a calculation of your size taking into account your weight and height as a measure of health. According to Harvard Health, the higher the BMI, the greater your risk of developing conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, liver disease, certain types of cancer, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
The WHO (World Health Organisation) reports that about three million people die every year worldwide due to being overweight or obese. A BMI reading is not a perfect measure of health but it is a good starting point to identify conditions that become more likely when a person is overweight or obese.
Shaun encourages men to be screened for diseases.
“Early detection of diseases is very important and your pharmacist is there to screen you for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. In Men’s Health Month we encourage men to visit the pharmacy for these basic screenings which can have such a big impact on health and well-being”.
Sources:
- https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/type2.html
- https://www.heartfoundation.co.za/blood-pressure/
- https://www.heartfoundation.co.za/cholesterol/
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-useful-is-the-body-mass-index-bmi-201603309339
- https://www.who.int/news-room/facts-in-pictures/detail/6-facts-on-obesity
While all reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this article, information may change or become dated, as new developments occur. The Link group shall not be held liable or accountable for the accuracy, completeness or correctness of any information for any purpose. No content in this article, irrespective of the date or reference source, should be viewed as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor, pharmacist or any other suitably qualified clinician.