Ongoing initiative provides free in-store health consultations

Women's health issues the focus for month of March

Boots offers free bone scans in partnership with Novartis Consumer Health

Dubai, March 09 2008: Ask Your Boots Pharmacist, the ongoing initiative from UK's number one pharmacy led health and beauty retailer Boots, is focusing for the month of March on women's health. The campaign provides Boots customers with professional consultations on specific health issues, in private and at no cost, along with advice on treatments and preventative measures.

This month, Boots is encouraging women to stop by with their concerns about hormone imbalances, menopause, skin and nail health, hair loss and a range of other issues. Boots has also partnered with Novartis Consumer Health to provide access to a bone density scanner, which can detect the early signs of osteoporosis. Free scans are available at Deira City Centre Boots from 12 - 26 March.  The scans will be offered at Mall of the Emirates from 27 March - 12 April.

Osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become fragile and more likely to break, affects 50 per cent of post-menopausal women worldwide and is especially prevalent in the Middle East, due to poor diet, lack of exercise and other lifestyle factors. In addition to providing bone scans, Boots professionals will be on hand to offer advice on how women can minimize the risks of developing the disease.

"With many health issues, there is a sense of uncertainty and, sometimes, fear," said Richard Morgan, Managing Director, Boots, MH Alshaya Co. "What we can offer is the peace of mind that comes with talking to someone knowledgeable and discreet about whatever concerns you have, in an environment that is designed to put you at ease. Certainly, we have received an enthusiastic and grateful response to the initiative from women in the region."

Dr. Yasmin Khodir, a Boots Pharmacist at The Village Mall, points out that the Ask Your Boots Pharmacist consultations can address cosmetic matters as well as health issues. In-store experts can suggest, for instance, vitamin and mineral supplements and other measures to ensure healthy hair, nails and skin. 

"Hair loss is quite common among women in this region, due to hormone imbalances, folic acid deficiencies, stress and other factors," said Dr. Khodir. "Many women seek advice on ways to promote hormone balance during menopause and we tend to answer a lot of questions about osteoporosis treatments and prevention. At Boots, we encourage women to ask us about whatever is on their minds. We are happy to help." 

-Ends-

About Alliance Boots:
Boots is the UK's leading international pharmacy-led health and beauty group. Boots merged with Alliance UniChem to create Alliance Boots in 2006. With an international network of approximately 3,000 retail outlets across 14 countries and a wholesale distribution network that serves over 125,000 customers, Boots recently entered the Gulf market in a partnership with the MH Alshaya Group. The leading health and beauty retailer currently has stores in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Quatar and Kuwait and has plans to expand across the GCC.

For further information, please visit www.boots.com/gcc

Boots is currently open in:
UAE
Abu Dhabi
Blue Tower
Al Wahda Mall

Dubai
Ibn Battuta Mall
Al Safa Park
Mall of the Emirates
Al Wasl Maternity Hospital
Al Dhiyafah Street
Deira City Centre
The Village Mall, Jumeriah
Dubai International Financial City
Residence 1 - Burj Dubai

Kuwait
Al Manshar, Fahaheel
Awatad Tower, Kuwait City
Fashion Way
Plaza Hawally
Farwania - Habeb Al Monawer St.
Jahra2, Area 45 Al Khazaee St.
Airport Mall - Kuwait International Airport (departure level)
Awtad Centre, Jahra
Souk Sharq Mall, Gulf Road
Avenues Mall 1
Avenues Mall 2
Marina Mall
Boots Khanza, Area 96
Faiha Co-op

Qatar
Villagio Mall
 
For further information, please contact: 
Kim Pinto
ASDA'A Public Relations,
Exclusive Affiliate of Edelman PR Worldwide in Middle East and North Africa
Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971-4-3344550
Fax: +971-4-3344556 
k.pinto@asdaa.com

Richard Morgan, Managing Director - Boots, MH Alshaya Co
M.H. Alshaya Co.
P.O. Box 261422
Jebel Ali Free Zone
Dubai, UAE
Tel. Office: + 9714 8038724

© Press Release 2008