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Food Basics
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Opening Food Basics experience
Doctors On Site×Food Basics ·Now in 30+ Food Basics stores across Ontario
Program · Cardiovascular Risk
Live at 30+ Food Basics stores Physician-led OHIP + patient-pay

Heart health, well managed

Blood pressure, cholesterol, and cardiovascular risk reduction — physician-led virtual care for primary and secondary prevention.

Book this program → See how it works
Internist-Led
Specialist medical oversight
≈ 1–2 Weeks
Typical first appointment
Lipid Optimisation
Modern therapy combinations
BP Targets
Evidence-based, individualised
Specialist medical oversight
Internist-Led
Typical first appointment
≈ 1–2 Weeks
Modern therapy combinations
Lipid Optimisation
Evidence-based, individualised
BP Targets

01Who it's for

Our cardiovascular risk program is open to most adults with risk factors or established disease.

  • Have hypertension (treated or newly diagnosed)
  • Have high cholesterol or family history
  • Have had a heart attack, stroke, or stent
  • Have diabetes with CV risk
  • Have metabolic syndrome
  • Are an Ontario resident with a valid health card

02How the program works

Day 0 · Online intake

Initial Intake & Records Review

Send recent labs (lipid panel, A1C, kidney function, etc.), home BP readings if available, and current medications. Our team reviews within one business day.

Week 1 · In-store

Lab Work if Needed

Updated lipid panel including non-HDL and ApoB, kidney function, glucose, and (where indicated) Lp(a) and inflammatory markers.

Week 2 · Virtual

Specialist Consultation

A virtual consult with your DOS physician to review your full cardiovascular risk profile and design a personalised plan.

Weeks 3+ · Hybrid

Therapy Optimisation

Prescriptions for BP and lipid medications, lifestyle counselling, and (where indicated) home BP monitoring guidance.

Wrap-up

Ongoing Follow-Up

Every 3–6 months for monitoring — checking that BP and lipid targets are met, adjusting therapy, and re-assessing CV risk over time.

03What's included

Internist-Led
≈ 1–2 Weeks
Lipid Optimisation
BP Targets
100% Virtual
Initial Intake & Records Review

04Coverage & what's billed

OHIP-covered
Physician visits· no cost to you
All physician consultations are billed directly to OHIP under your provincial health card. You will never receive an invoice for a covered consultation.
Valid health card required at intake

What's covered: physician consultations, requisitioned lab work, in-store vitals review, prescription refills written by your DOS physician, and follow-up visits during the program.

What may be patient-pay: certain weight-loss or specialty medications (depending on private insurance), supplements, and any out-of-program services you elect. Your DOS physician will discuss any patient-pay item with you before prescribing — nothing is added to your file without consent.

05Your Food Basics pharmacist

Each Food Basics location partnered with DOS has at least one pharmacist briefed on the program. They have access to your DOS chart (with your consent) and can answer questions about side effects, interactions, and adjustments without you needing to wait for a physician appointment.

06Eligibility & safety

Our cardiovascular risk program is open to most adults with risk factors or established disease.

This program may not be right for you if you:

  • Are experiencing acute chest pain (call 911)
  • Have unstable angina or recent ACS (cardiology care)
  • Need urgent in-person cardiology evaluation

07Common questions

My family doctor manages my BP — why see another physician?
Many family doctors do an excellent job. But cardiovascular risk reduction has evolved rapidly — ApoB, Lp(a), modern targets, newer therapies (PCSK9 inhibitors, bempedoic acid, etc.). Our program acts as specialist input, with your family doctor staying primary on day-to-day care.
I have heard statins are bad for you — is that true?
No. Statins are among the most studied medications in history, with overwhelming evidence of cardiovascular benefit. Side effects are real but uncommon, and usually manageable with dose changes or switches. Your physician will discuss your individual risk-benefit.
Why is my LDL target so low?
Modern guidelines target LDL <2.0 mmol/L for most patients with established cardiovascular disease, diabetes with risk factors, or very high family risk. Lower LDL = lower event rates. The "normal" lab reference range is NOT the same as your individual treatment target.
Can I monitor my BP at home?
Yes — and we recommend it. Home BP readings are often more accurate than office readings (no white-coat effect). Your physician will guide proper technique and target values.
Ready to begin

Care that walks you in, prescribes, and follows up.

From intake to maintenance — one chart shared between your DOS physician and Food Basics pharmacist.

Book this program →
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