Supervalu Inc. has announced the launch of a whole-store health and wellness program called "living healthy with my diabetes."
The Company reported that the program offers a variety of resources to make life easier for customers living with diabetes, including educational materials, health screening tests, group and individual diabetes education and training programs, medication management consultations, nutrition information, dietary tools, products and other services.
In addition to the resources that will be available year-round, Supervalu reported that the company's nationwide family of stores, including Acme, Albertsons, Cub Foods, Farm Fresh, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's/Star Market, Shop 'n Save, and Shoppers Food & Pharmacy, will kick off the program with a number of special, limited-time offers between Nov. 7 and Nov. 20 in honor of American Diabetes Month, including:
-Free blood glucose test screenings in selected locations with pharmacies Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
-Health screenings for A1C, cholesterol and liver function
-Savings booklets for discounts on diabetes-related products, where available
In a release on Oct. 30, the Company noted program elements that are available year-round:
-"Eating Healthy with Diabetes" store tours guided by specially trained pharmacists and registered dietitians covering topics such as choosing healthier foods, reading Nutrition Facts labels and identifying better-for-you food options
-In-store pharmacy services including diabetes education, diabetes self-management services, blood glucose screenings, blood pressure monitoring and face-to-face medication reviews
-General nutrition information from registered dietitians
-Diabetes products such as equaline test strips, glucose tablets, blood pressure monitors, lancets, and latex and vinyl gloves
"Our neighborhood grocery stores are uniquely positioned to be a one-stop solution for people with diabetes," said Chris Dimos, SUPERVALU president, pharmacy operations. "In addition to offering nutritious foods in our grocery aisles, our pharmacists and dietitians can help educate customers, provide personalized training and guide them to the information, products and services they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The program is part of our commitment to provide convenient, affordable health and wellness solutions to our customers."
Supervalu reported that it would introduce the program as diabetes increasingly impacts the lives of more Americans and their families, at a high price both physically and financially.
According to a release, the reported incidence of diabetes has climbed to 11.3 percent of American adults, and if current trends continue, 15 percent will be living with diabetes by 2015, according to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index1. Among the factors driving the incidence of diabetes is the upward trend in obesity: Americans who are obese are nearly three times as likely as those who are not obese to report having been diagnosed with diabetes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 57 million Americans currently have pre-diabetes, which puts them at risk for developing diabetes, as well as heart disease and stroke, in future years. The total estimated cost of diabetes in the United States is $174 billion in excess medical expenditures, disability, work loss and premature mortality2.
The disease also is a concern among ethnic populations. Research shows that 15 percent of African Americans and 14 percent of Hispanics suffer from adult onset diabetes3.
Diabetes is defined by high blood sugar levels that happen when the body loses the ability to make or use insulin effectively. When insulin is not available for cells, the body cannot obtain the glucose or sugar from foods eaten to use it as energy.
Types of diabetes and related conditions include:
-Type 1 diabetes - occurs when the body does not produce insulin. Type 1 is usually diagnosed in children and adults. Treatment includes regular blood sugar tests, insulin therapy and other medical intervention.
-Type 2 diabetes - occurs when the body either doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use insulin effectively. The condition can often be managed by diet, exercise and blood sugar monitoring.
-Pre-diabetes - occurs when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed. Those with pre-diabetes are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. It may be avoided by weight loss and increased physical activity.
Supervalu said it has made a commitment to health and wellness as busy, budget-conscious consumers seek convenient solutions for their everyday health needs. The living healthy with my diabetes initiative is the latest example of this commitment, offering consumers a holistic approach that includes both grocery and in-store pharmacy services, the Company reported.
In fact, the company said its pharmacies have evolved from filling prescriptions to offering a variety of immunizations, personalized health screenings, and clinical health education and management services for a variety of health conditions.
In-store pharmacies play a role in health and wellness issues as consumers are increasingly putting their trust in them to help meet their medical needs. A December 2009 Gallup Poll showed that two out of every three respondents (66 percent) rated pharmacists "very high" or "high" when asked about honesty and ethical standards, second only to nurses among the top five most highly rated professions4.
"Beyond the pharmacy, our stores offer tips and tools to help customers living with diabetes better manage their diets," Dimos said. "Managing diabetes with a food plan is about understanding the importance of balanced nutrition and choosing from a variety of food groups throughout the day. Our stores offer the resources that people with diabetes need to enjoy controlled portions of foods from every food group, so they can eat what they love, balanced with what they need."
Supervalu Inc. is a company in the U.S. grocery channel that serves customers through a network of stores composed of traditional retail stores, including in-store pharmacies; hard-discount stores, and independent stores serviced primarily by the company's traditional food distribution business.
More Information:
www.supervalu.com
No comments:
Post a Comment