Discover Bunnings' life-saving innovation trialling in 30 stores!
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When you think of Bunnings Warehouse, you can picture a weekend trip to pick up gardening supplies and a new power tool or indulge in the iconic sausage sizzle.
However, the Australian hardware giant is branching out in a way that could have significant health benefits for its customers.
In a surprising and innovative move, Bunnings is set to trial in-store blood pressure testing stations, a feature that could save lives.
The initiative, known as the Shop2Stop Hypertension pilot, will see SiSu health stations installed across 30 Bunnings stores.
These kiosks are designed to offer customers a quick and convenient way to check their blood pressure and other vital signs during their shopping trip.
The process involves answering questions about age, lifestyle, and family history before measuring blood pressure and weight.
High blood pressure, often referred to as 'the silent killer,' can lead to severe health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and dementia, and worryingly, it often presents with no symptoms.
This makes regular monitoring essential, especially as we age.
The statistics are concerning: about 34 per cent of Australians have high blood pressure, but only a third of those have it under control and checked regularly.
Professor Alta Schutte, a research fellow at the George Institute for Global Health from UNSW, highlighted the need for innovative approaches to reaching at-risk groups.
‘Efforts to reduce the risk of high blood pressure in the community stopped being effective over the past ten years, and the profile of those affected is changing,’ she said.
‘For example, raised blood pressure is increasingly linked to stroke deaths in men aged 25-49 years, but they wouldn't think of themselves as being at risk.’
‘We needed to think creatively about reaching this and other groups at high risk in the places they already go, and Bunnings stores are a great way to do that.’
This initiative by Bunnings could be a game-changer, especially for those who may not have easy access to regular health check-ups or need to be made aware of their condition.
The health stations result from a collaboration with researchers from UNSW and the George Institute for Global Health.
They aim to identify undetected cases of hypertension and raise awareness about the risks associated with high blood pressure.
‘The check is free, and the self-operated machines are in discreet locations, so only the individual who sees and hears their results in the store,’ Schutte added.
The SiSu kiosks are not only about detection; they also provide valuable guidance.
‘Importantly, the SiSU kiosk gives people recommendations on reducing their blood pressure and, if needed, directs them to see their GP straight away.’ she continued.
Remember, while these kiosks provide a valuable service, they do not replace professional medical advice.
It's always best to consult your healthcare provider for a comprehensive health assessment.
In related news, health experts recommend low-sodium, potassium-enriched salt as a better option for preventing high blood pressure, though it's not commonly used.
A recent large trial found that these salt substitutes effectively reduced blood pressure and supplied needed potassium. Learn more about it here.
Have you tried any other health innovations that made check-ups easier? How was your experience with them? Share your thoughts on this innovation in the comments below!
However, the Australian hardware giant is branching out in a way that could have significant health benefits for its customers.
In a surprising and innovative move, Bunnings is set to trial in-store blood pressure testing stations, a feature that could save lives.
The initiative, known as the Shop2Stop Hypertension pilot, will see SiSu health stations installed across 30 Bunnings stores.
These kiosks are designed to offer customers a quick and convenient way to check their blood pressure and other vital signs during their shopping trip.
The process involves answering questions about age, lifestyle, and family history before measuring blood pressure and weight.
Bunnings Warehouse will trial health stations in 30 stores for blood pressure and vital sign checks. Credit: Shutterstock
High blood pressure, often referred to as 'the silent killer,' can lead to severe health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and dementia, and worryingly, it often presents with no symptoms.
This makes regular monitoring essential, especially as we age.
The statistics are concerning: about 34 per cent of Australians have high blood pressure, but only a third of those have it under control and checked regularly.
Professor Alta Schutte, a research fellow at the George Institute for Global Health from UNSW, highlighted the need for innovative approaches to reaching at-risk groups.
‘Efforts to reduce the risk of high blood pressure in the community stopped being effective over the past ten years, and the profile of those affected is changing,’ she said.
‘For example, raised blood pressure is increasingly linked to stroke deaths in men aged 25-49 years, but they wouldn't think of themselves as being at risk.’
‘We needed to think creatively about reaching this and other groups at high risk in the places they already go, and Bunnings stores are a great way to do that.’
This initiative by Bunnings could be a game-changer, especially for those who may not have easy access to regular health check-ups or need to be made aware of their condition.
The health stations result from a collaboration with researchers from UNSW and the George Institute for Global Health.
They aim to identify undetected cases of hypertension and raise awareness about the risks associated with high blood pressure.
‘The check is free, and the self-operated machines are in discreet locations, so only the individual who sees and hears their results in the store,’ Schutte added.
The SiSu kiosks are not only about detection; they also provide valuable guidance.
‘Importantly, the SiSU kiosk gives people recommendations on reducing their blood pressure and, if needed, directs them to see their GP straight away.’ she continued.
‘The good news is that if someone finds out they have high blood pressure, it can be effectively treated with medication and lifestyle changes.’
Remember, while these kiosks provide a valuable service, they do not replace professional medical advice.
It's always best to consult your healthcare provider for a comprehensive health assessment.
In related news, health experts recommend low-sodium, potassium-enriched salt as a better option for preventing high blood pressure, though it's not commonly used.
A recent large trial found that these salt substitutes effectively reduced blood pressure and supplied needed potassium. Learn more about it here.
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