74-year-old Elizabeth Jenkins reminds community to check heart health for free at pharmacy to save GP fee

Geraldton senior Elizabeth Jenkins is urging residents to regularly check their blood pressure and stay on top of their health after recently being diagnosed with hypertension. The 74-year-old woman was diagnosed with high blood pressure during a regular check-up with her GP a few years ago and takes medication to manage the condition. She regularly visits Blooms The Chemist to have her blood pressure evaluated and encouraged others not to hesitate to get checked next time they are passing a chemist. “I love how friendly the staff at Blooms The Chemist Geraldton are; they’re always up for a chat, no matter what the topic is,” Ms Jenkins said. Instead of visiting her GP, Ms Jenkins visits the chemist, which offers the service free of charge. “I can get my blood pressure checked while picking up my medication. At my age, I love that I can go to one place and get everything done,” she said. “It gives me peace of mind to have my blood pressure evaluated regularly. I highly recommend it.” Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke, coronary heart disease and heart failure and is the leading risk factor for death in the country. Blooms The Chemist pharmacist Andria Aird said high blood pressure could have no symptoms and it was important to check blood pressure regularly. “The test takes only about five minutes and is free at all Blooms The Chemist pharmacies,” she said. “We encourage you to drop by your local store to get your blood pressure checked.”