As with many chronic health issues, heart health requires dynamic treatment and no two patient journeys will be the same. With services including blood pressure and cholesterol monitoring, medication management, risk assessments, and education and support, community pharmacies play a vital role in connecting patients with the tools to manage a complex condition.
Under scope of practice pilots, some State and Territory pharmacies are pursuing additional training in the Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Program for Type 2 diabete, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. The Program, launched last July by Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler, is aimed at enabling patients without a formal cardiovascular disease diagnosis to access treatment early.
“Community pharmacists provide regular blood pressure checks as well as critical vaccinations for those with heart disease or other underlying health conditions,” said Professor Trent Twomey, National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. “Whatever your need, community pharmacy is here to support you.”
As trusted frontline health workers, pharmacists are perfectly placed to connect patients with resources beyond clinical care, like the Heart Foundation’s free community-based walking groups. With over 750 walking groups and 350,000 walkers nationwide, Heart Foundation Walking has been getting Australians on their feet for over 30 years to improve physical and mental health. Walking is a free, low-impact activity that, in a social setting, can bring communities together in a supportive environment where participants can form meaningful connections while staying active.
Whether it’s by connecting with an existing local Heart Foundation Walking group or helping start a new one, community pharmacies can be hubs for locals looking for easy and effective ways to stay healthy. Personal Walking Plans offer expert guidance to get individual walkers moving with achievable goals and tailored advice.
Pharmacists are invited to join Heart Foundation Walking as Host Organisations to receive all the support, resources and advice they need to promote heart health, keep communities connected and build lasting partnerships across Australia’s primary healthcare network.
Improving heart health should be taken one step at a time. With accessible pharmacy care, community organisations and a simple stroll around the block, Australians can get effective support that meets them where they’re at. Learn more at the Heart Foundation website today.
