CVS/pharmacy Launches National Health Challenge to Encourage First Steps Toward a Healthier Life

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Feb. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- To help Americans determine their risk for chronic diseases and get them on a path to better health, CVS/pharmacy announced today the launch of the 2011 "To Your Health" program, offering free preventive health screenings at more than 800 events in communities across the country. The program will get underway in Houston on Saturday, March 5th, and continue in Dallas, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Philadelphia, Chicago and Miami.  

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The "To Your Health" program will launch in seven markets with "The Makeover Mile" – a one mile health walk led by medical and diet expert, Dr. Ian Smith - to fight obesity and encourage Americans to lead healthier lifestyles.  "Exercise is an important way to combat weight gain and obesity, which can contribute to many chronic diseases," said Smith. "The Makeover Mile walk will encourage people to get out and take active steps toward better health. The 'To Your Health' screenings will give adult participants critical information about their health status and risk for chronic disease."

An important step toward good health is knowing your risk for chronic disease.  Each "To Your Health" event will offer participating adults $150 worth of screenings for diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, bone density (osteoporosis) and vision. Doctor consultations and medication reviews with a CVS pharmacist are available. Dental and chiropractic screenings along with referrals for mammograms and pap smears are also available in select locations. No appointment is necessary.

In 2010, the "To Your Health" program detected health concerns in an alarmingly high percentage of participants. Of those screened:

• 34 percent had high cholesterol
• 38 percent had a high to moderate risk of developing osteoporosis
• 37 percent had hypertension
• 29 percent had diabetes, with more than half being diagnosed with diabetes for the first time

"Early detection is critical to managing, and in some cases reversing, the effects of chronic diseases like diabetes," said Troyen A. Brennan, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, CVS Caremark. "CVS/pharmacy is committed to improving access to preventive care and ensuring that cost is not a barrier to these important health screenings."

Another way CVS/pharmacy is helping people manage chronic disease is through its ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes program, offering members discounts and rewards on the purchase of diabetes supplies. Information on ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes and additional free resources will be available at "To Your Health" events to help those with diabetes manage this costly disease. 

The "To Your Health" program begins with "The Makeover Mile" walks in the following cities:

• Houston – Saturday, March 5
• Dallas – Saturday, March 12
• Los Angeles – Saturday, March 26
• Washington, DC – Saturday, April 2
• Atlanta – Saturday, April 9
• Philadelphia – Saturday, May 21
• Chicago – Saturday, June 4

The "To Your Health" program will also come to Miami beginning Saturday, March 5.  For more information and a full calendar of "To Your Health" events, visit www.cvs.com/toyourhealth or call 888-604-0333.  For more information about "The Makeover Mile" or to register, please visit www.makeovermile.com.

About CVS/pharmacy

CVS/pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), is America's leading retail pharmacy with more than 7,100 CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drug stores. CVS/pharmacy is committed to improving the lives of those we serve by making innovative and high-quality health and pharmacy services safe, affordable and easy to access, both in its stores and online at CVS.com. General information about CVS/pharmacy and CVS Caremark is available at info.cvscaremark.com.

About Dr. Ian Smith

Dr. Ian Smith has served as the medical/diet expert for six seasons on VH1's highly-rated "Celebrity Fit Club", is the creator and founder of The 50 Million Pound Challenge and is a medical contributor on the nationally syndicated television show, "Rachael Ray."  Dr. Ian was recently appointed by President Obama to the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. He is also the author of eight books, including the New York Times Bestsellers, The Fat Smash Diet, The Extreme Fat Smash Diet and The 4 Day Diet. His eighth book, EAT, will be available in April 2011.

SOURCE CVS/pharmacy