It’s taken me a while to post this review because I really wanted to do it justice. There are just so many interesting and inspiring things going on, I literally needed to carve out a few hours so I could put my thoughts together. Et voila! A quiet Sunday morning and the perfect time to reflect on a fabulous experience at Rexall’s New Healthy Living Store.
Let me rewind. A couple of months ago, I received an e-mail pitch asking if I’d like to tour Rexall. For real? I deleted the e-mail without a second thought. I mean, who wants to spend time walking around a drugstore?
From an information standpoint, the above video really covers everything you need to know and I encourage that you take the time to view it. To summarize, enhanced in-store tests offered at Rexall Healthy Living Stores include:
– Food Smart Hemocode Test: detects food intolerances and sensitivities – approximately 30% of Canadians suffer from food intolerance and many are not aware that certain food and additives are the cause of their symptoms;
– BPro: measures blood pressure directly at the base of the aorta and is analyzed by a cardiologist – high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects one in five Canadians, is the number one risk factor for stroke and a major risk factor for heart disease, as well as the leading cause of death among women in Canada;
– Lung Age: measures the strength of a patient’s breath against their age and can help to diagnose illnesses such as lung disease and emphysema – a recent study revealed that smokers who knew their lung age were twice as likely to quit smoking;
– Dermo Analyzer: assesses hydration and skin type, as well as the effects of the sun – diagnosis allows for a personalized skincare regimen to be developed and if more critical skin conditions are identified, the Derm Consultant works collaboratively with the Pharmacist to find the right solution or develop a plan of action.
So yes, those are some pretty impressive add-ons which help catapult Rexall over and above your average pharmacy. But what convinced me to take time out of my very busy evening to take a tour?
It was my girlfriend, and fellow Kindergarten Confidential blogger, Shauna MacKenzie. Her darling little boy Josh had been suffering from outbreaks of eczema and skin irritations, all thought to be caused by a food allergy that they had yet to narrow down. Knowing that Rexall Healthy Living Stores now offer a Food Smart Hemocode test specifically designed to identify immune-system based food intolerances and the severity of the intolerance, I thought it was an opportune time to take that tour and have Josh diagnosed.
Skip forward about a week, and we arrived at the Rexall store in Milton, ON just after 7pm on a weeknight. At first glance, the outside of the store looked like most Rexalls that I’ve encountered.
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| REXALL IN MILTON, ON |
However, inside was another story. Boasting over 15,000 square feet of products and services, the Rexall Healthy Living Store is a retailer’s dream; cohesively designed, meticulously clean and organized, and premier brands as far as the eye can see.
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| THE VAST SKIN CARE CENTRE |
| FEATURED PRODUCTS WITH HANDY INFO AND DISPLAY |
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| HAVE YOU EVER SEEN SO MANY VITAMINS? |
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| THE ULTRA MODERN PHARMACY |
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| DONNA (RIGHT) WITH THE HEALTHY LIVING ADVISOR |
Before we took care of the main purpose of our visit – performing the Food Smart Hemocode test – you know I just had to stop by the Dermatologial Skin Care Centre. It is a veritable feast for the eyes: premier and private brands, hard-to-find lines, and imported products that I had read about but never dreamed I would come face-to-face with. I also love the ultra-zen water area where you can try products, rinse and repeat.
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| “LIFT FOR PRICE”… DO I WANT TO KNOW? |
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| EWW! MY SKIN MAGNIFIED TO TMI LEVELS |
Equipped with a handy Derm Analyzer, we tested my levels of hydration and sun damage using a wand on the back of my hand. While normal hydration levels *should* be around 40%, my skin scored a pitiful 16%. (I’m gulping water as I type this.)
Thankfully the Derm Consultant was equipped with the right products to boost the health of my skin from the outside in. Enter Vichy’s Aqualia Thermal Fortifying & Soothing Hydrating Concentrate; after just one quick application my hydration levels were boosted to 40.8% – perfectly in line with where they should be. You can believe that I purchased the product on the spot. Thanks Rexall!
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| BACK TO NORMAL HYDRATION LEVELS IN A JIFFY |
Next – the Food Smart Hemocode test. You should know:- The Food Smart Hemocode System is a personalized nutritional program that includes a state-of-the-art blood analysis that identifies common foods that may be causing individually unique symptoms
– When the customized Hemocode System program is followed accordingly, individuals may experience relief from these symptoms and begin making lifestyle changes that positively impact overall health
– Developed by a team of nutritionists and medical practitioners, the system tests against 250 common foods and additives that have been known to cause reactions. The test is a simple, painless (uh huh) finger stick and the blood sample is sent for analysis, with results in seven to ten business days.
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| NOT A PEEP FROM JOSH! WHAT A BRAVE LITTLE DUDE |
Rexall Healthy Living Stores are the first to offer this level of readily-available testing in Canada; and it does not come cheap. At $450 per test, one would expect a lot in return, and Rexall does not disaapoint, delivering:
– Customer-specific reports and recipe books that are accompanied by consultation with a Rexall Pharmacist and/or Naturopathic Doctor
– Colour-coded food chart that identifies immune-system based food intolerances and the severity of the intolerance
– Food elimination report, as well as vitamin and supplement recommendations
After the test we adjourned for the evening, anxious to see the results.
Fast forward a couple of weeks. I should mention at this time that not all doctors/pediatricians are supportive of testing children under the age of 5, due to the fact that allergies can resolve themselves (or intensify) in the first few years of life (and therefore any test would be deemed subjective). However, when you’re the mom of a young child who you can see is suffering, wouldn’t you want to at least have some direction? Or gain insight into what can potentially aggravate or worsen the condition?
And so we uncovered that little Josh has a gluten intolerance, along with a few other foods that should definitely be either avoided completely or given only moderately. After finally having a chance to connect with Shauna earlier this week (we’re two very busy mamas!) she had this to report:
The instruction and follow-up she received with the Rexall Pharmacist and Healthy Living Advisor was incredibly beneficial and answered many of her questions. Shauna received both a detailed report and easy-to-follow “cheat sheets” outlining recommended, moderate and severe intolerant foods.
Since receiving Josh’s results, Shauna has been steadfast in following the recommended diet and is happy to report that she has seen a marked improvement in Josh’s well-being.
All in all, I commend Rexall for enabling customers to go well beyond the prescription drop off/pick up routine; by empowering people to take an active role in their physical and emotional health – and providing the tools that make it easy to do so – the Healthy Living Stores truly exemplify what healthy living is all about.
There are currently six (6) Rexall Healthy Living Stores – Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Bradford and Milton, Ontario; Calgary, Alberta; and Kelowna, British Columbia. If you have one in your area, I do recommend you pop by for a visit – you’ll be glad you did.
This store looks amazing. Nothing pleases me more than walking thru a drug store. It is one of my favourite ways to spend a couple hours. I would love to have my skin hydration tested. Something tells me my skin would score about the same as yours
The Food Smart Hemocode Test sounds really impressive! It's too bad there are no Healthy living stores in my area – I'm sure I have a few food and additive intolerences & may be the cause of some of my breakouts and occational eczema. I love what they're doing with the store!
I like the look of the derm analyzer. I am moving to Calgary, a really dry city. I'll want to make sure my hydration levels are right. I'm happy to see that there is a location of the healthy living store there!
wow! fancy dancy! I think the Derm Analyzer is ultra cool! I live right in the mountains, my skin is always dry, its terrible, so it would be interesting to see my score!
Holy what an amazing place. I love the Derm Analyzer. I suffer from dry skin and would love to be able to check my hydration levels. Thanks Lena
Wow! I'm impressed by all the services available! I would be interested in the BPro service because knowing your blood pressure is one of those numbers you should know. There are often no symptoms of hypertension until something happens-ie. heart attack so I think this service is very important in preventing future health problems.
I think the skin care centre is great. Taking care of one of the largest parts of our body is very important to me, and with all the tests that they have, and the products, whats not to love?rasilla012[at]gmail[dot]com
I like the Lung Age check – I think that would be really cool because I used to smoke and I'd like to know what the age of my lungs are now (hopefully good!)
Wow this is truly amazing. All the features are amazing especially the Derm analyzer because I wash my hands constantly and sometimes they are very dryi would love to know how bad they really are. Great review!
I really like the sounds of the Food Smart Hemocode Test Rexall offers.. I suffer from some food allergies/intolerances so it's great to see something like this offered up, so others can be aware!sbabij2@shaw.ca
I haven't been into a Rexall in a long time but I see that a lot has changed, which is great. One of the things are sounds really great and I would love to try is probably the derm analyzer. The weather in Toronto can be pretty crazy in the summer so I'd give this a shot :)
I like the idea…but $450 is still a whopping price to pay for the Hemocode Test. Hmmm…. I wonder if it's any better than the traditional allergy tests doctors perform (scratch tests). And you can have a gluten-intolerance test done at your regular doctor's office for free. I had it done six months ago.Janice
I had no idea that Rexall had stores like these, AND that there is one in Calgary. I'll be definitely making a visit there, thanks so much Lena!
Just read about the contest, I definitely want to enter. Although I'm very curious about the Dermo Analyzer, the one that I want to do the most is the Food Smart Hemocode test. I think I have some food sensitivities/allergies that I'm not even aware of :)
The Lung Age test sounds really cool. I would love to test it out and it's great that it can help encourage smokers to quit.
The Derm Analyzer really interests me, so that I could see how my crappy water drinking habits have affected my skin's hydration level.
I think the Food Smart Hemocode Test is awesome. I think its a great idea as i knoe some parents that have been talking about having these tests done
The Food Smart Hemocode test sounds like the best. I know it might sound like a big investment at first, but if you think your child needs it. He/she needs it.Wow
Being a kidney transplant patient I am always being told to drink plenty of water to keep my kidney and body hydrated. I had no idea they even had a test for this until I read your review. I am definitely interested in the dermo analyzer test.
Wow! Really interesting. That has blown me away. I wonder what kind of training and how knowledgeable that healthy living advisor person is, I would be more comfortable if they were formally trained, like a pharmacist, or MD! I hate misinformation.
The Dermo Analyzer sounds really cool! Now they just have to build one of these fancy stores in downtown Toronto :)
Wow-this is amazing! I would definetly go for the 'Food Smart Hemocode test' for my daughter. The closest store would be in Milton, but i'm sure it'll be worth the trip…
I would love to have a healthier looking skin and the Vichy's Aqualia Thermal Fortifying & Soothing Hydrating Concentrate sounds amazing.Thanks for this wonderful opportunity! :)margaret.imecs@gmail.com
My fave would be the BPro because I do have hypertension and would like to know if I should be doing more to control it or not.
My favourite on is the the Food Smart Hemocode test. It is such a good idea.green123apple(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm really blown away by this. I had no idea that Rexalls were so much more than a simple pharmacy. I live in London ON and pass through Milton frequently. I will definitely be checking this store out.
Wow! The Derm analyzer looks amazing to try, to get a real feel for my skin. Reading your review, really makes me want to check out a Rexall which I haven't done in a really long time!
Hmm the Food Smart Hemocode Test sounds interesting – not sure that I am up for the $450 price tag. But if you are having issues this test might be a great way to help figure out what the problem is.
I will definitely be checking out my local store to see if they are offering these new services. the one I am most interested in is the Food Smart Hemocode..I have some food sensitiviites and I would like to check my teen.pamfreecycle at gmail dot com
I am quite impressed by the Healthy Living Terminal. The fact that when you find information you would like to know more about, you can email it from the terminal. The other catch is the when checking the price of an item, you are also told what the sale price is.
just having been diagnosed with high BP, high Cholestrol and sugar diabetes the BPro fascinates me. BPro: measures blood pressure directly at the base of the aorta and is analyzed by a cardiologistyourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net
Now THAT is a serious store!! I think I found my new favorite place to shop! I would love the Derm Analyzer, as I have some skin issues, and my skin is sensitive so I have to be careful what products I use. It sounds like Rexall could REALLY help with that!!rebthecatsitter at gmail.com
The lung age is my favorite probably since my hubby is smoking and trying to quit. I will definitly take him over there; it's right by his work.Thanks for the giveaway :)jokparent at hot mail dot com
I didn't know that they had a Food Smart Hemocode Test. I have recently become very sensitive to most dairy product and think I might me lactose intollerant. I really should go there and find out. Thanks for the post!warnaar-2 at yahoo dot ca
I really liked the Dermo Analyzer because i love that it can diagnose what is best for your skin type and it also checks you skin hydrationthanksflower_child_23(at)hotmail(dot)com
I have tried the derm care analyzer. Recently they were promoting it, and I gave it a shot. I am impressed by this service, and shocked by the results. Thank you for spreading the word about this service.The lung age check is something that I have not tried, and other the other hand, maybe a little afraid to do (but maybe I should)mommakoala(at)cogeco(dot)ca
We have a new one that just openend and it's amazing!! Everything your reviews says but one more feature which is my favorite and it's the drive through perscription pick up, saves alot of time!calvert0 at telus dot net
I was so impressed by the services at that Rexall store Lena! I'll be writing-up about my life changing experience (it really was!) very soon!! For any parent questioning a skin or other health issue with their child, I would highly suggest the Hemocode test, if you can afford it or have it covered under a benefit plan! I'd be afraid to have my skin tested for hydration, but it would be cool to try!
That is the store. I like the Dermo Analyzer because I have lots of problem with my skin and with there help I may just be able to find a moisturizer that doesn't gibe me hives.
I haven't been to a Rexall store in quite a while but would consider making a trip to test out the Derm Analyzer. I have terribly dry skin and would love to test my hydration levels. Thanks Lena for all the time you put into researching new products and stores.
this store looks fantastic with so many great features! i think the dermo analyzer would be my favorite to try first – i would love to get a specific plan of action for caring for my skin (which i often suspect is quite dry and sometimes sensitive). the food smart hemocode test would also be great for my whole family! i've suspected food sensitivities, but havent been able to pinpoint the source!tumyiix at gmail dot com
cool looking and love all it has to offer including the Food Smart hemocode testing. Glad you went and wrote about it, otherwise would not have known!
The Food Smart Hemocode test sounds impressive! My whole family has assorted mild allergies, and I'm sure there's many not diagnosed. Also, I do daycare and alot of the kids here I'm sure have intolerences to certain foods.loridc@gmail.com
I just watched the video and read the entire blog – twice! Great article and very informative. I think what Rexall has done to the store environment is awesome. I just emailed a friend to ask her if she wants to drive out to Milton to see it! I'm impressed with the engagement level of the associates / experts in each department. That's a bonus. I'm really interested in learning more about the Food Smart Hemocode Test. I've never been tested but I think I've got some issues with certain foods. It would be nice to know for sure to avoid the things I shouldn't eat. Overall, it looks like Rexall has built the best of the best and I'm excited to go check it out!
Thanks for an excellent article! I think the Food Smart Hemocode Test is amazing and would be worth investigating further. I believe the Rexall near me is newly refurbished, so I'll have to go pay a visit soon.
Wow! I would love to try out the FoodSmart HemoCode! I have been having issues with certain foods lately! But ouch to the $450, i don't have that or the coverage :(
I so wish we had a store like that here! My favorite feature is the Food Smart Hemocode Test. It would be great to know if I had any food intolerences and if there is anything I should be staying away from
The Food Smart Hemocode Test sounds like something that every mom should have access to. I am incredibly impressed that they can offer this test at a drugstore.
The Derm analyzer seems pretty neat. I would love to go find out my score.
First I must say this is an excellent review. Way to go. All the features are amazing especially the Derm Analyzer. Winter is just around the corner and I would like expert advice to take care of my skin.
Rexall's Healthy Living Adviser, how handy would that be, much easier to talk to someone than try to interpret the label
Definitely the Derm Analyzer, like so many others! I grew up with very oily skin so I spent years and years drying it out. Now, it's too dry!! Everytime I get a facial, they tell me that my skin is severely dehydrated, causing me to look older than I should. Augh!!!
Everything looks so great in the store. I can't believe the layout. :) I'm really interested in the BPro. heart Disease runs in my family, and I think this looks like a great tool to help manage my health.
So cool! I hope they open one here in Windsor. I could go to Milton if I really wanted a certain test done though. I would be most interested in the lung test. I always thought I don't have as much lung capacity as I should. Love the clean lines and look of the store's inside and the screen where you get info and sign up for the newsletter and such.
Wow, everything sounds amazing. I will have to check it out – one of the stores is not too far from me. I think the Food Smart Hemocode Test is a great idea, and I would love to test my skin with the Derm Analyzer.
wow this post is almost 2 years old now but i’ve just come across it as i’m considering the hemocode test myself after suffering for the past 1.5yrs with nausea and just about every digestive issue under the sun. thanks for the detailed review, it was really helpful and i’ll be sure to read through all the comments as well Lena!