News

Pharmacy kiosks teach about heart disease

March 19, 2002

DALLAS - To help consumers understand how to prevent heart disease, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Pharmaceutical Association Foundation are placing informational kiosks at pharmacies, according to an AHA press release.

The kiosks will feature American Heart Association information and its suggestions for improving behavior.

According to the release, the decision to place the kiosks was based on two studies. A 1997 A.C. Nielsen study found that more than three-quarters of all patients go to the pharmacy directly following an appointment with a physician. A 1999 Time Inc. consumer survey found that almost 70 percent of consumers ask a pharmacist for information on health conditions and prescriptions.

The American Heart Association and the American Pharmaceutical Association Foundation want to enhance awareness and reduce risk of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for Americans, the release stated, claiming the lives of more than 957,000 Americans each year.

During the pilot project, the two organizations will study how the kiosks are used, and how effective they are.

No information was available from the AHA at press time concerning the numbers and makers of the kiosks, where they were being placed, or the cost of the project.