Bayer, Novartis Promote Heart Health At Mass Retailers
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores nationwide will be providing shoppers with free in-store cholesterol and blood pressure screenings this month
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Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores nationwide will be providing shoppers with free in-store cholesterol and blood pressure screenings this month. The complimentary tests are part of the stores' "Healthy Heart Community Event" in conjunction with American Heart Month. Bayer HealthCare ( Bayer Aspirin ) and Novartis ( Benefiber ) are the lead sponsors of the event. Bayer will distribute free product samples and educational information; Novartis will supply the screening capabilities and clinicians for testing. Representatives from the firms will be available in stores to "help educate shoppers about how to identify, manage and reduce the risk factors for heart disease," according to a Wal-Mart press release announcing the event. Other sponsors include McNeil, Wyeth and General Mills. The event is one of several healthy living initiatives the chains have planned for this year. Healthy Heart will take place at Sam's Club pharmacies on Feb. 18 with screenings available during the morning. Wal-Mart will hold the event at stores on Feb. 19 with screenings available throughout the day. This is the second year in a row Wal-Mart has hosted the heart health promotion. More than 1.7 mil. customers had their cholesterol and blood pressure tested last year; the firm expects an increase this time around. Wal-Mart partnered with the nonprofit group Speaking of Women's Health for a women's health awareness day last October. The primary goal of the event was to provide women with tips and information about making healthy choices for their lifestyles, according to Wal-Mart. The mass retailer also held a diabetes initiative in 2004 and plans to hold future educational events, a company spokesperson said. |