Watsons Pharmacy Self Care Announces Huge Free Health Testing
Programme for Women
"10,000 Free Cholesterol Tests is just the start"

Watsons Health Screening Gains Critical Insights:
"Over 33% of Women within a Normal Weight Band Still Face a Health Risk"

Hong Kong (September 25, 2003)

Watsons Your Personal Store, the largest health and beauty retail chain in Asia, today announced the beginning of a huge investment programme in providing free health tests for women in Hong Kong.

The Watsons Pharmacy Self Care "Women's Journey of Health" programme begins today with the provision of 10,000 free cholesterol tests for women who visit any of Watsons 37 Pharmacy stores.

Watsons conducted a study of women's health in Hong Kong during July and August 2003. It aimed at reviewing Hong Kong women's health condition and to find out the health risks they are facing. The study assessed women for their body mass index by measuring weight and height, body fat percentage and coronary heart disease risk factors, including total cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

"Our study shows worrying risk levels in a number of health areas for women in Hong Kong" said Margaret Lau, Watsons Pharmacist Director. "Our numbers indicate that over 33% of women had potential health risk, even though their weight status was normal. Since Hong Kong women are living with the risk of developing serious health problems, we want to help them to do something about it."

The study covered 905 women was conducted by Watsons pharmacists and endorsed by the School of Pharmacy of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, found 253 respondents had an ideal body mass index, i.e. 18.5 < BMI < 23, of which 34% had a high percentage of body fat, 33% had high total cholesterol and 44% had high-normal to high blood pressure levels - placing them at serious risk of heart disease as they age.