Kroger Holding Free Cholesterol Screenings in February
As heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, Kroger Health, the grocer’s health care division of pharmacies and clinics, is helping to fight this often preventable condition all February – otherwise known as American Heart Month – by providing free cholesterol screenings for the second consecutive year.
“Our vision is to help people live healthier lives,” explained Colleen Lindholz, president, Kroger Health. “By offering free cholesterol screenings at our pharmacies and clinics during American Heart Month, we hope to encourage our customers to take just a few minutes to ensure they are not at risk for heart disease. So many Americans are living with high cholesterol, high blood pressure or prediabetes and don’t know it. We want to change that. Once a customer knows their numbers, we can help them adjust their diet, alter their lifestyle and access needed prescriptions.”
Kroger’s pharmacies in banners such as Smith’s, Ralphs, Fry’s, QFC, Fred Meyer and King Soopers are offering the free screenings through March 2. For best results, customers should fast for 12 hours prior to their cholesterol screening. To receive a free screening, customers must make an appointment online.
Nearly 80 million Americans are estimated to have high cholesterol. Too much cholesterol can collect in blood vessel walls, resulting in heart attack and stroke. As the condition is often hereditary, even those following a healthy lifestyle should be screened regularly.
No. 2 on Progressive Grocer’s 2018 Super 50 list of the top grocers in the United States, Cincinnati-based Kroger employs nearly half a million associates who serve more than 9 million customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and 2,800 retail food stores under a range of banner names. Kroger Health has more than 2,000 pharmacies and 200 clinics in 35 states serving more than 13 million customers. Kroger was also named Progressive Grocer's 2018 Retailer of the Year.
