'LIFE CHECK': Campaign Launched to Help Save Lives

The initiative, which is offering FREE M.O.T. health checks across its stores, is hoping to locate those most at risk from silent killer diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity. Such health conditions carry few, if any symptoms in the early stages and yet they blight this small population with some of the highest mortality rates in Europe.

Joanne Henderson, Pharmacy Practice Coordinator at Gordons Chemists outlines the rationale behind the proactive drive:

"We're urging everyone to start the New Year with a 15-minute 'LIFE CHECK M.O.T.' to ensure they're in good shape not just for the year ahead, but for LIFE.

"Early detection is essential in conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, to enhance the likelihood of a positive outcome. We find that many people don't visit their doctor or pharmacist until they feel ill. This is a massive problem, a ticking time bomb, and we have launched our LIFE CHECK M.O.T. measures in an attempt to reverse this alarming trend. Many people are working hard and for many long hours, tend to have a high-fat diet, can feel physically fit and therefore tend to ignore health concerns which if left unchecked lead to serious and life-threatening illnesses over time."

Gordons Chemists has been fine-tuning M.O.T. testing for several years and now, as a result of direct customer feedback, has decided to invest heavily in making it a permanent fixture within the business.

"Many thousands of people have undergone our health checks already and lives have definitely been saved - but many thousands more in the highest risk band remain undetected," says Joanne Henderson.

"As a result we are introducing this LIFE CHECK M.O.T. test continually, without appointment and FREE of charge for everyone."

In addition to the LIFE CHECKS, the team at Gordons is also launching their New Year smoking cessation clinics to empower those who genuinely want to kick the habit. "There's never been a better time to stop smoking," admits Joanne.

"Our FREE personal and professional clinics which combine therapies with solid advice and support will give individuals the best chance possible to give up smoking for good. To join, simply call in and speak to your friendly Gordons pharmacist today."

The advice is clear, don't delay! Call into your nearest Gordons Chemists store today and speak to your pharmacist who will be delighted to offer you a FREE LIFE CHECK M.O.T. To locate your nearest store, logon to www.gordons-chemists.com