Pharmacists provide free screenings signaling risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and other illnesses.
This week, at University Health’s Robert B. Green campus, pharmacists provided free cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure screenings to more than 60 adults. They also provided protection from illness by giving 40 people an updated flu shot in advance of this year’s respiratory season.
It was all part of a quarterly Wellness Wednesday clinic, where pharmacists provide the free screenings then educate patients about the results and any steps they need to take to prevent serious illness.
“We want to prevent heart attacks, stroke and complications that could arise if their numbers are out of range,” said Celina Sharpe, a community care clinical pharmacist. “This allows us to sit down with them and let them know where they are. If they need to follow up with a doctor, we try to connect them with care.
Carlos Garzon, 65, was at the pharmacy to pick up a family member’s prescription and decided to take a few minutes to be screened.
“We men don’t usually go to the doctor until we feel sick,” he admitted. “But, I want to find out my condition to do what needs to be done.”
To his surprise, Garzon said he learned his blood pressure is high. The pharmacist recommended he take it at home for a week then visit a family doctor and have it checked again.
“This gives me an idea of where I am at this point and the route I need to take,” he said, adding the clinic made it convenient for him to get checked.
University Health’s pharmacists began offering the free Wellness Wednesday screenings in 2025 and have since provided more than 200 people with screenings and information that help them track their health. Additional free screenings at University Health pharmacies are being planned for the coming year.
