Sam's Club® Offers Free Women's Health Screenings

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Sept. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sam's Club is offering free women's health screenings to aid members in taking charge of their health. Few women are aware that thyroid disease can often be a symptom of other health issues and lead to serious conditions including cancer and infertility. On Saturday, October 8, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., every Sam's Club with a pharmacy will offer all women*, members and non-members alike, free and simple tests that check thyroid health.

Thyroid disease affects millions of people in the U.S., most of whom are women. The disease causes the body to use energy either more slowly or quickly than it should, causing weight loss or gain, hot or cold flashes or drastic changes in energy level. Many people who have thyroid problems do not know until they are tested.

"The estimated number of people with undiagnosed thyroid disease may be 10 percent. For women, the risk is even higher. A woman faces as high as a one in five chance of developing thyroid problems during her lifetime, and that risk increases with age and for those with a family history of thyroid problems," said Jill Turner-Mitchael, senior vice president, Sam's Club Health and Wellness. "Our free thyroid screenings are a quick and easy way for women to make sure their bodies are functioning and will continue to function in a healthy way."

The free screenings will include a TSH test (a simple test for thyroid disorders), blood pressure and BMI tests, typically valued up to $150 per person. During the screenings, Sam's Club pharmacies will also offer free samples of women's health-related products and awareness information.

The free health screening events at Sam's Club help our members take charge of their health. With more than 250,000 free screenings provided in U.S. Clubs this year, Sam's Club continues to serve our communities November 12 with free, take-home colon screenings. Additionally, Sam's Club licensed professional pharmacists, serving members and the public, are always available to support their communities with preventative health and wellness solutions, the Sam's Club $4/$10 generic prescription savings program and fast, personal assistance.

For more information, times and locations of free health screenings in participating Sam's Club locations, visit SamsClub.com/healthyliving.

About Sam's Club®

Sam's Club®, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), is the nation's eighth largest retailer and a leading membership warehouse club offering superior products and services to more than 47 million members in clubs across the U.S., as well as in Brazil, China and Mexico. Members save an average of 30 percent over traditional retailers. To learn more about Savings Made Simple(SM), visit SamsClub.com, and look for Sam's Club on Twitter and Facebook.

*While supplies last. Quantities of tests and samples are limited in each club.

SOURCE Sam's Club