| Pharmacy offers free blood pressure checks |
| Thursday, 21 October 2010 10:12 |
 Checking your blood pressure is a painless process that only takes a minute but can save your life. Confirmed this week by the National Health Insurance Board as one of the most common chronic conditions affecting residents of the country, hypertension is slowly becoming an epidemic in the TCI. Hypertension is the medical term used to describe high blood pressure, an all too common but preventable condition. Known as the “silent killer” because so often people have no symptoms before it is in advanced stages, hypertension affects almost one fourth of the population worldwide. “Hypertension is a growing problem in this community,” U.K. qualified pharmacist and 10-year TCI resident Rachel Ramdin tells the fp. However, she explains that with early detection much can be done to prevent permanent damage to organs, and those who are on the path to hypertension can change their lives for the better. “The early stages can be treated by healthy lifestyles and managed without drugs,” she says. Flamingo Pharmacy in the IGA complex is now offering free blood pressure checks for anyone who wants to take control of their health. Ms. Ramdin opened the Flamingo Pharmacy in July of this year, offering the community a convenient location to fill prescriptions just next door to their local grocery store. The Flamingo Pharmacy is also offering $3 blood glucose test for those at risk of another growing chronic condition — diabetes. “It is important people get tested, and we are happy to offer these services to help members of the community take the first steps at taking control of their health,” Ms. Ramdin said. As the official GNC distributor for the Turks and Caicos, Flamingo Pharmacy also offers a wide variety of weight loss, diet, vitamin and nutritional supplements. “We offer natural supplement products, which are safe for most people to take,” she said. Ms. Ramdin says that in the TCI, where it is challenging to get lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, vitamin supplements can be an important component of a healthy lifestyle. A refill reminder service and compliance aids to help the elderly remember their medication are other services offered by the new pharmacy. Individuals can visit the pharmacy Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. for their free blood pressure test. Creole speaking staff is available. Once a baseline is established, individuals are encouraged to come in regularly so that Flamingo Pharmacy staff can track their blood pressure to help the patient relate a history of their physical condition to their local doctor. Blood pressure machines are available for purchase for those who want to monitor their pressure at home. |
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