HEALTH

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Regular aspirin use could reduce breast cancer risk, according to California Teachers Study research released Monday.

In 2005–2006, a 10-year follow-up questionnaire collected updated information on frequency of current use of aspirin, low-dose aspirin and other pain-relieving medications, weight, alcohol use, menopausal status, use of hormone therapy, and physical activity. More than 57,000 completed the follow-up questionnaire.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Sanofi posted first quarter gains of 18.7% across its U.S. consumer healthcare business, the company reported Friday, reaching sales of $380.1 million. The growth was driven in large part by the February launch of the Xyzal Allergy 24HR, which generated $47 million in sales in just two months on the shelf.  

Customers seeking health-and-wellness support in Hy-Vee’s eight-state marketing area don’t have to work too hard to find the retailer and its solutions. On the contrary, Hy-Vee usually finds them.

That’s because the West Des Moines, Iowa-based company has created a multi-level approach that nails customer health journeys. It figures out how to bring relevant solutions to consumers wherever they are, from in-store to online to the community. Many of its efforts are being expanded this year.

LOS ANGELES — ThinkThin on Thursday announced a multi-faceted promotional partnership with the upcoming, highly anticipated Warner Bros. Pictures feature film "Wonder Woman," in theaters June 2. According to the company, "Wonder Woman" is in natural alignment with the female lifestyle brand, which offers a range of high protein nutrition bars as well as other nutritious formats, such as bites, smoothie mixes and oatmeal.

BALTIMORE — Johns Hopkins researchers report that an analysis of survey responses and health records of more than 10,000 American adults for nearly 20 years suggests a "synergistic" link between exercise and good vitamin D levels in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

STAMFORD, Conn. — Purdue Pharma last week named Carrie Chomiak as the business lead for the company’s over-the-counter product franchise. Chomiak will have executive ownership for all OTC brands, which include the Betadine microbicide antiseptics, Slow-Mag magnesium chloride supplements, Senokot laxative and Colace stool softener product lines.

WASHINGTON — One year after the project was formally announced, the Council for Responsible Nutrition's Supplement OWL initiative became a reality on Thursday as the online product registry is now live. Serving as a resource for regulators, retailers and industry, the OWL is an industry-wide, self-regulatory initiative that will help create a rich and more complete picture of the marketplace, and can be accessed by anyone.