Rite Aid offers free cholesterol and BP consultations

Rite Aid is getting its pharmacists involved in a number of efforts to educate consumers during American Heart Month.

Throughout February, Rite Aid’s 4,700 stores nationwide are stressing that their pharmacies offer free consultations on customers’ medications for controlling cholesterol and high blood pressure. Managing a variety of medications is vital, since 75% of patients with high blood pressure take multiple prescriptions, according to the drug chain.

“Rite Aid pharmacists can also serve as guides to help patients understand the numbers behind their risk factors, such as cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood glucose,” said Eric Harkreader, a spokesman for Rite Aid. In addition, patients who earn points through wellness+, Rite Aid’s customer rewards program, can earn free health screenings for blood glucose and total cholesterol.

During Heart Month, Rite Aid is distributing a “Roadmap to a Healthy Heart” guideline at its website, www.riteaid.com, and in its stores. The 12-page guide includes 7 simple steps toward reducing heart disease and stroke, and gives details on the numbers behind heart-disease risk factors, such as “good” and “bad” cholesterol. The retailer’s website includes additional interactive lifestyle tools and tips.

Rite Aid stores are also selling $1 red paper dresses to benefit the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” movement. Customers can buy - and sign - a paper dress icon to hang on store walls.