In association with Heart Month, Healthy Meath are launching a free chronic disease risk management programme in community pharmacies in Kells and Oldcastle on Monday, September 4th.
The purpose of the pilot programme is to provide free health checks to the population to identify risk behaviours that lead to the development of chronic diseases including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Advice and support to manage and reduce identified risk factors aims to support a reduction in chronic disease burden in citizens of Meath. Funding is provided by Meath County Council under the Healthy Ireland Fund, supported by the Department of Health.
Susan O’Dwyer, Head of Professional Services at the Irish Pharmacy Union said, “the Irish Pharmacy Union is delighted to support this initiative. As the most accessed healthcare provider community pharmacies are ideally placed to raise awareness of the risk factors for the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, to help in there detection and to provide advice and support to reduce them. We hope eligible people in Kells and Oldcastle avail of this opportunity for screening and support and we look forward to working with Healthy Meath on this great initiative.”
Neil Sokay pharmacist and owner of Lynch’s Total Health Pharmacy is delighted to be taking part in the initiative noting that, “this is a great opportunity for the people of Kells and Oldcastle to get a free health check in their local pharmacy. We look forward to supporting people in identifying and managing their risk factors for chronic disease.”
Aisling O’Donnell, Healthy Ireland Coordinator with Meath County Council said, “the free chronic disease risk management programme is one of the steps Healthy Meath are taking to support people living in Meath to improve their health and wellbeing. Approximately 9,000 people die each year from cardiovascular disease in Ireland, deaths which in some cases can be prevented through early detection and improving lifestyle habits. This initiative is aligned with the Healthy Ireland Fund Local Strategy for Meath County Council which aims to reduce death from chronic diseases amongst the population in County Meath.”
For more information on this initiative please contact Aisling O’Donnell the Healthy Ireland coordinator for Meath by emailing [email protected] or calling 0469097400.
Source: Meath County Council
