HEALTH

NEW YORK — New legislation signed into law Wednesday encourages states to adopt laws allowing schools to maintain a supply of emergency treatments for life-threatening allergy attacks.

Barack Obama signed the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act, under which schools could maintain a supply of epinephrine, which is the only first-line treatment for life-threatening allergic reactions, also known as anaphylaxis.

The legislation received praise from Mylan, a drug maker that produces EpiPen, a popular epinephrine injector pen.

WASHINGTON — As cold and flu season kicks into high gear, the Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition on Tuesday issued a nationwide safety message urging consumers to double-check their medicine labels so they don’t double-up on medicines that contain acetaminophen when treating winter illnesses. 

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American Diabetes Association on Tuesday announced that Walgreens has been named a National Strategic Partner of the American Diabetes Association, in recognition of its commitment to support the mission and the association's movement to Stop Diabetes.

Watsonville, Calif. — Nordic Naturals on Monday introduced Nordic Probiotic, an allergen-free probiotic that contains no dairy, wheat, gluten, corn or soy. Packaged in 60-count bottles, the vegetarian capsules can be used by everyone, including individuals with digestive issues or food sensitivities, the company suggested. Nordic Probiotic is 100% vegetarian and non-GMO.

“This is important for 20% of Americans who experience some type of digestive discomfort regularly,” Keri Marshall, chief medical officer for Nordic Naturals said.

BUENA PARK, Calif. — Sohm on Tuesday announced the U.S. launch of its umbrella brand SohMed, positioning the company in the generic over-the-counter medicines segment for indications of pain, fever, cold, antacid and alertness.

NEW YORK — Nearly 60% of global respondents said that loyalty programs were available where they shopped, and of those, 84% said they were more likely to visit those retailers, according to a new study by Nielsen published Tuesday.

PHILADELPHIA — According to an article published in Annals of Internal Medicine Monday, a systematic review of published studies found insufficient evidence that vitamin and mineral supplements are effective for preventing cardiovascular disease, cancer or mortality from those diseases in healthy adults. 

CHICAGO — Core Power recently was named the Official Protein Drink of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games, Fairlife announced.