Thursday, March 19, 2009
The Kinney Drugs in DeWitt offered free lung screening yesterday as part of its weekly series of health education and screenings.
The program, called Wellness Wednesdays, has been going on most Wednesdays since December. Anyone who walks into the pharmacy can walk up to the table and ask for a free screening or information. The company offers cholesterol, lung, diabetes, and blood pressure screenings.
Rachel Rothman, a registered respiratory therapist, says about ten people came in for screenings yesterday, which is an average turnout. Most of the people who come in are recently unemployed and taking advantage of the free service. None could be reached for comment.
"It’s really hard for the recently unemployed to come here because they’re used to having insurance,” Rothman said. “They’re used to being able to not ask for a handout.”
When test results show possible signs of illness, the person is referred to a local health clinic. The Franciscan Northside Ministry on Salina Street is one of the participating centers with a staff of volunteer doctors, Rothman said.
Even if patients show no signs of illness, Rothman says she makes sure they are educated. They provide patients with health brochures or have a quick conversation.
Rothman says she specifically informs African Americans who smoke that they are more likely to get sick earlier in their lives than Caucasians. This statistic was published by the American Lung Association.
Some people use the free tests as an alternative to their doctor. Rothman says these people feel they do not need to be told by a doctor when to get a test.
“They sometimes just want to get a quick check themselves before they go see their doctor,” Rothman said.
Kinney Drugs also plans to offer free dental screenings for children starting this fall.
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