The Results are In: My Walgreens #WellnessTour with the National Urban League Experience #spon

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I am a blogger advocate for the Walgreens Wellness Tour with the National Urban League and will be compensated for my time. All opinions and views are my own.

I'm 51 years old. At least that's what my test results from the Walgreens Wellness Tour with National Urban League say. After inputting the numbers for my glucose levels, body composition and blood pressure, the calculations added almost eighteen years onto my life. So, instead of being an active, energetic and healthy 34-year-old mother of two, I am barely hanging on to any ounce of my youth. Sadly enough, I am not at all surprised by the outcome.

On a rainy Thursday afternoon, my youngest son, Liam,  and I headed to one of the stops scheduled for the D.C./Maryland/Virginia area. This particular location was located in Clinton, Maryland at a senior housing apartment complex called, Clinton Manor. Residents of the complex could easily walk out of the entrance of their building and step up into the bus. But just so you're not confused, the services are available to the public. as long as you are 18 years of age or older.

I entered the wellness bus and was immediately assisted by one of the staff members there – Ashley. Both her smile and personality were inviting, as was the rest of the staff. I welcomed her warm spirit on such a cold, rainy day. She was the perfect person to make a first impression. The staff was accommodating to Liam as well. They kept him occupied while I sat down to receive my tests (this is not apart of their job, but I was appreciated their help).

First up – total cholesterol & glucose testing. This required a simple finger prick as blood was drawn and captured into a tube. The blood was then tested on a machine that gathered results. The glucose test was important for me because diabetes runs in both sides of my family. I couldn't remember if I had anything to eat before taking the test, but that may have altered my results a bit.

The cholesterol test results were also determined from the small blood sample that was taken. This test reveals any excessive amounts of bad cholesterol that may be in your artery walls. This could cause potential blockage and blood flow to your heart, causing a stroke, heart attack and/or heart disease. I'll share my results at the end of this post. Let's just say, I had a rude awakening.

I don't think anyone is ever excited to step on a scale. This scale was pretty fancy. Just by stepping on it, I was able to get results for my complete body composition. Measurements of my body fat, visceral fat, BMI, skeletal muscle, resting metabolism, body age and body weight were all recorded in one take. I expected the numbers that I've received. I've known for quite some time that I am overweight and could stand to shed about twenty pounds. I am definitely making weight loss a priority in the coming weeks, even if it is holiday season. I can't lose anything if I don't gain the strength to start somewhere. And seeing myself in the picture is motivation enough. I don't even recognize this woman.

Blood pressure and I have a love/hate relationship. Most of the time it's great. Then, there are the moments when I am super stressed or nervous and my blood pressure notices. I started having blood pressure difficulties after my first pregnancy back when I was just twenty years old. Both of my pregnancies resulted in early deliveries due to my condition with preeclampsia. As soon as they ended, I would return to normal. But on this particular visit to the wellness tour bus, it was sky-high. I should note that the night before I did not feel too well and went to bed more earlier than usual. I don't know if the anticipation of next day's events cause a spike in my pressure, but I am going to work out a solution with my primary care physician to make sure this was just a one-time occurrence and not a permanent problem.

I was the only one on the wellness tour bus at the time. This made it my tests analysis arrive quickly. Allow yourself at least 20 minutes during your visit to complete the entire process because there may be a few people ahead of you. I met with Ashley to go over my results. She explained briefly what all the numbers meant. For the numbers that were not so favorable, she noted that all of the results work together and would change for the better with a decrease. Long story short – get to fixing your health problems if you want to see satisfying outcomes.

I can't tell you how many times I've read or heard a story where the person expressed how early detection and prevention saved their life. Had they not taken a step in the right direction to see where they were in their health journey, the outcome may have been a bit different. Now that I know my health is not nearly as great as it can be, I am going to make changes in my life to ensure that I am around for awhile longer. I am at risk for a heart attack or stroke at the young age of 34. This is unacceptable. I need to do more for myself...first! The results from this health assessment are just what I needed to make plans with my primary care physician to create a routine that will revive my healthy state.

Besides, I want to be around for my children's milestone, like this little guy getting his driver's license.

Just to recap:

The health tour’s bundle of free health tests and risk assessments is designed to provide participants with personal health insights that may indicate symptoms and potential risks for cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Tests include total cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, body mass index, body composition, skeletal muscle, resting metabolism, visceral fat, real body age and body weight*. Collectively, the health tests are valued at more than $100. The health tests are administered by certified wellness staff and are available to adults who are ages 18 and older. Afterward, participants can consult with a Walgreens pharmacist or certified wellness staff about his or her results. This free service can be completed in approximately 20 minutes – insurance will not be billed.

If you're reading this before 3PM on Monday, October 5, 2015, you still have time to get down to the Walgreens Drug Store at 14095 Jefferson Davis Hwy in Woodbridge, VA 22191.

If you're reading this before 3PM on Tuesday, October 6, 2015, you still have time to get down to the Howard University Health Services at Howard University Hospital at 2041 Georgia Ave. NW in Washington, DC 20060.

For those of you who are in other states and areas besides DC, Maryland and Virginia, there may be additional dates for you to attend. To learn when the Walgreens Wellness Tour with the National Urban League is serving a neighborhood near you, visit Walgreens.com/Tour.
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Disclosure Information
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I am a blogger advocate for the Walgreens Wellness Tour with the National Urban League and will be compensated for my time. All opinions and views are my own.