Did you know that you can receive a free healthcheck at Pearl Chemist or Aukland Rogers Pharmacy if you’re aged 40 to 74 and haven’t been diagnosed with a major health problem beforehand? One of our reporters didn’t, so as he recently turned 40, we sent him along to get checked out! His name’s been withheld as it’s confidential medical information (and he’s a bit sensitive about his age). Over to you, Mr X...

I walked into Pearl Chemist on a sunny afternoon and was met by the wonderfully affable Kim. She showed me to a private consultation room and explained exactly what was going to happen. I’d be asked about my alcohol intake and if I smoked. My height, weight and blood pressure would be taken, as well as a pinprick sample of blood (which I hardly felt). I’d then receive the results of my blood pressure, as well as my cholesterol level, Body Mass Index (BMI), risk of contracting diabetes, and the chance of my having a heart attack or stroke in the next ten years.

Those who wish for a healthcheck can walk straight into the chemist and, if she’s available, Kim will see you straight away. This service is also offered by Mandip at Aukland Rogers Pharmacy on Garratt Lane. It’s advised that participants drink lots of fluids beforehand (I had drank at least two pints of water before I went in at 2pm) and to make sure that they have warm hands as it makes the blood sample easier to extract.

The whole procedure took a little over 30 minutes and was a thoroughly easy-going and enjoyable experience. Kim is friendly, chatty and knowledgeable, and I felt relaxed straight away. I was encouraged to ask questions – we had a great chat whilst a small machine ran tests on my blood. I found out all sorts of things about my health, and how I can make small changes to live a healthier lifestyle. My information was sent to my GP, and of course kept entirely confidential. 

Many people prefer to get their health checked at their local pharmacy as it’s sometimes quicker than getting it done at their GP surgery – it also frees up their GP to handle more serious health matters for those who need it. Pearl offer all sorts of other (and often free) services for Tooting residents in their five branches across Tooting.

So, if you’re aged 40 to 74, or know someone who is, then head to Pearl Chemist and say hi to Kim, or to Aukland Rogers Pharmacy to see Mandip:

• Pearl Chemist
  134-136 Mitcham Road
  SW17 9NH
  ​Phone: 020 8672 2157
   
• Aukland Rogers Pharmacy
  892 Garratt Lane
  SW17 0NB
  Phone: 020 8672 6737

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