A FREE pilot pharmacy service is now available in Warrington to help keep adult heart heath in check post-lockdown.

The ‘heart health check’ pilot is running through the summer across six pharmacies in the area, after a recent pharmacy-led research report shone a light on the potentially damaging impact Covid-19 has had on the region’s general everyday health.

Five Rowlands pharmacies and Numark Member’s, Orford Pharmacy, is calling on adults across Warrington to immediately recognise and act upon factors that pose an increased risk to their everyday general health, such as weight gain, increased alcohol consumption, smoking and a reduction in exercise.

The nationwide study from Numark, the UK’S largest community pharmacy network, revealed that three in ten adults living across the north west and unhealthier now compared to before the start of the pandemic – with 41 per cent admitting to gaining weight and 37 per cent exercising less during lockdown.

The new pilot service welcomes customers in-branch to receive a heart-age score, along with a cardiovascular risk assessment based on height and weight measurements, blood pressure readings and a Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation.

The service also offers appropriate lifestyle advice and support or signposting to other local health and support services.

Good heart health relies on people taking regular care of their bodies – carefully monitoring physical wellbeing.

Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical director of Patientacess.com, said: “Many people have struggled to maintain a healthy lifestyle during lockdown.

‘‘Whether it’s excess pounds, more alcohol or less exercise, it’s important to take steps to identify risk factors and get support to act on them.’’

Demand for the new health-check service was highlighted furthermore, with nearly two fifths of those living in the North West (37 per cent) reportedly focused on improving their health and nearly three fifths (59 per cent) interested in accessing health checks from a community pharmacy, now lockdown restrictions were easing.

A spokesperson for Rowlands said: “It’s clear that during a tough year of social restrictions, many people have turned to things that comfort them – be it food, drink or nicotine.

‘‘Unfortunately, these comfort blankets in excess can come at a cost to the body and increase the risk of physical health conditions such as heart disease, cholesterol and diabetes.

“In the wake of the pandemic, community pharmacy plays a pivotal role in offering everyday health support. By piloting this free health check-up service, we hope to actively help curb the increased health risks lockdown restrictions have imposed on the health of this community.”

A spokesperson for Orford Pharmacy, added: “Pharmacies play a hugely supportive role in driving good health habits.

‘’We are committed to offering face-to-face healthcare advice and treatment across all areas of everyday health.

“We have witnessed first-hand some notable impacts on the region’s health over the course of this pandemic and will continue to keep our doors open for those looking to seek support and care in restoring good health.”

The Heart Health Check pilot pharmacy service is now available at the following pharmacies across Warrington:

• Rowlands Pharmacy, Folly Lane, Warrington, Cheshire, WA5 0LZ

• Rowlands Pharmacy, 3 Thelwall Lane, Latchford, Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 1LJ

• Rowlands Pharmacy, Guardian Street, Warrington, Cheshire, WA5 1UP

• Rowlands Pharmacy, Orford Park, Primary Care Resource Centre, Orford, Warrington, Cheshire, WA2 8AG

• Rowlands Pharmacy, 5 Oaklands Road, Lowton, Warrington, Cheshire, WA3 2LA

• Orford Pharmacy, 45 Cotswold Road, Orford, Warrington, WA2 9SF