HEALTH

ATLANTA — The annual ritual of visiting a doctor's office or health clinic to receive a flu shot may soon be outdated, thanks to the findings of a new study published in the journal Vaccine.

WASHINGTON — New research released Tuesday found that when it comes to treating pain, a growing number of consumers know how to safely use medicines with acetaminophen and to avoid accidental overdose and liver damage. A nationwide consumer survey conducted by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association Educational Foundation, in conjunction with its work on the Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition’s Know Your Dose educational campaign, shows that consumer safe use knowledge and risk awareness has increased over a three year period (2010-2013).

DENVER — UrgentRx on Tuesday teamed up with the NFL's Denver Broncos, the NBA’s Indiana Pacers and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment — parent of NBA’s Denver Nuggets, NHL’s Colorado Avalanche and NLL’s Colorado Mammoth — to be the “Official Sponsor of Game Day Relief.”

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force on Tuesday posted its final recommendation statement on vitamin, mineral and multivitamin supplements for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, the Task Force concluded there is not enough evidence to determine the effectiveness of taking vitamins and minerals to prevent cardiovascular disease or cancer. 

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved Myalept (metreleptin for injection) to treat complications of leptin deficiency in patients with congenital generalized or acquired generalized lipodystrophy, which is a condition associated with a lack of fat tissue.

CHANTILLY, Va. — Hispanic consumers are outpacing non-Hispanics in their adoption of mobile, social and online sources for local shopping, according to BIA/Kelsey's Consumer Commerce Monitor study released Tuesday. 

LOS ANGELES — Hyland's recently added three line extensions to its portfolio of cough-cold products — both an adult and pediatric mucus expectorant and a nighttime option for toddlers. Mucus relief accounts for 14% of the cough-cold category, Hyland's reported, citing Nielsen data for the 52 weeks ended Jan. 18 across all channels. 

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Omron Healthcare on Monday launched the Alvita Ultimate Pedometer, which replaces its HJ-112 model. The new pedometer uses Tri-Axis technology to count steps accurately almost anywhere the device is positioned, including the hip, pocket or a purse. It has four activity modes for both regular and aerobic activities, and stores up to seven days of information on the display.