'AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour' Returns to the Road to Provide Free Health Screenings and Services

DEERFIELD, Ill., April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour today kicked off the second leg of its two-year, national mobile health screening tour with a goal of providing more than $60 million worth of free health screenings by April 2011.

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Health screenings are a critical method for detecting potential diseases before symptoms are noticed.  In fact, of those screened during the 2009 tours:

• 68.0% had high body mass index
• 64.1% had high blood pressure levels
• 40.7% had high cholesterol levels
• 36.4% had low bone density

"We are pleased to continue our effort with Walgreens to help provide important health screenings at a time when many still cannot afford preventive health care," said A. Barry Rand, AARP's Chief Executive Officer. "The results from the first year on the road speak volumes to the need for these basic screenings, and will go a long way in increasing the chances for early detection of chronic disease and other potential health problems."

The AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour, which aims to administer more than 2.5 million free screenings, will conduct health-screening events in more than 3,000 communities throughout the United States and Puerto Rico with the two-year campaign. The free screenings—which include total cholesterol levels, blood pressure, bone density, glucose levels, waist circumference and body mass index—will help provide adults with a critical foundation for early disease detection and prevention. To date, the AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour has administered more than $27 million in free screenings.

"During previous tours, I've seen how these free screenings can be a life-saving resource. We're proud to carry on that tradition," said Greg Wasson, Walgreens President and CEO. "AARP is the perfect ally because of the campaign's dedication to improving lives and offering greater access to health resources, particularly among those most in need. Together, we can tap into our strong community networks to make sure the tour reaches the people who need us most."

The AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour is comprised of nine custom-equipped buses with dedicated staff of certified health screeners that travel separate routes canvassing the country. Each bus spends several days in designated cities providing free services at local events, community centers, Walgreens store locations and other select locations with a special emphasis on underserved communities. Screenings are recommended for adults age 18 and older. After the screenings are performed, a pharmacist or staff member instantly provides the results and reviews them with the consumer. Visitors also have access to free educational information on a variety of health and wellness issues that are available in both English and Spanish.  Consumers are encouraged to visit a doctor or health care provider with any concerns.

Consumers can learn when the tour is scheduled to serve their community by calling toll-free 1-866-484-8687 or visiting online at www.aarpwalgreens.com/tour. Free, one-year AARP memberships will be given to all adults who receive screenings.  Participants under the age of 50 can pass on the free membership to an eligible adult, and existing members will receive a one-year extension on their current membership status.

SOURCE Walgreens