A short walk to the pharmacy will prolong your life | Society

Cardiovascular diseases pose a great threat to human life. WHO estimates that nearly 18 million people die each year worldwide due to these diseases, which affect the heart and blood vessels, accounting for 32% of all deaths on the planet. The same is true in Spain, where three of the five leading causes of death in 2023 – 16% of the total – were related to cardiovascular problems. In particular, in ischemic diseases heart (heart attacks and angina); cerebrovascular accidents (strokes and strokes) and heart failure.

Another study by the Spanish Heart Foundation shows that almost six out of every ten Spaniards suffer from two or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as hypertension, excess weight, sedentary lifestyle or lack of sleep. Evidence suggests that taking care of your heart (and ensuring adequate protection) is essential to staying healthy.

Since Apoteca Natura pharmacies launched their first cardiovascular disease prevention campaign in 2014, which has been renewed and adapted year after year until it became the new Box Salud, more than 30,000 people have participated in the service.

With the aim of increasing public awareness of cardiometabolic wellness and promoting prevention by identifying possible risk factors, the network of independent pharmacies that are part of Apoteca Natura is participating in its annual awareness campaign for the second year in a row, which includes the launch of Salud Out of the Box Cardiometabolic prevention and monitoring. This service can be purchased at any of the establishments participating in the promotion, which ends on November 15.

Prevention to Cure

The kit includes preventive tests, specific measurements, information and personalized advice on caring for your circulatory health. The campaign is aimed primarily at men and women aged 40 to 65 years interested in knowing their current status and preventing diseases such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes, as well as patients with risk factors and people caring for family members . who suffers from these ailments.

Inside, a person will find different very easy to use coupons corresponding to various medical tests: a preventive test and vascular age calculation, which can be repeated after three months to evaluate the improvements after following the advice and recommendations of the pharmacist; another measurement available in every pharmacy – blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and/or lipid profile…–; a voucher for access to digital platforms and two more related to lifestyle, which include tips on healthy eating and exercise.

to improve cardiac and metabolic well-being.

The work process is simple. The buyer gives the desired coupon to his pharmacist, performs the test at the pharmacy where he purchased the Health Box, and views the results in application My ApothekaNatura. In it you will find, for example, your personal health diary, where you can follow the development of data, and a nutrition guide. with nutritional suggestions based on each person’s needs.

“This is a great benefit for both the pharmacy and the person requiring this service. It’s a safe, fast and affordable way to get a cardiovascular check-up from a trusted pharmacist in about 20 minutes,” explains Apoteca Natura España Marketing Manager Laia Vicente. In their opinion, this format allows them to maintain their commitment to the prevention of minor pathologies and the identification of risk factors by the pharmacy itself, as a key agent in the healthcare chain.

Since Apoteca Natura pharmacies launched their first cardiovascular disease prevention campaign in 2014, which has been renewed and adapted year after year until it became the new Health Box, more than 30,000 people have taken part in the service.