What’s a hot item at some pharmacies and grocers?

Some Walmarts, Sam’s Clubs and Publix offer a vital signs checking machine.  

Our columnist Claudette Holliday told me about her experience with this new technology. 

The name is Higi – a self-service machine that at no charge allows you to check your vitals. 

Just think – you saved yourself the cost of a doctors office visit.

That’s more money in your pocket.

The Higi checks your blood pressure, pulse, weight and body mass index. 

The machines were created by Higi, a Chicago company founded in 2012.

The FDA cleared self-screening health station network aims to save you money and improve your health. 

Their investors are BlueCross BlueShield and Everymove. 

Higi has more than 11,000 stations in food, drug and other retail stores nationwide. 

There are 3 locations listed in Lexington.

Roberta Vining of Riley’s Drugs said she does not have a Higi but is familiar with the concept.

“They may be a good health tool, but nothing is quite as reliable as tests made by a health professional,” she said.

Sam’s Club offers the free self- service stations to complement its free quarterly health screening programs from January to October.

For more information, go to www.higi.com and register to keep track of all your vitals.