HEALTH

Community-based diabetes efforts should involve retail pharmacies
The YMCA is offering a demonstration project to show that its YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program — part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's broader National Diabetes Prevention Program — can lower the incidence of Type 2 diabetes and reduce medical costs incurred by Medicare.
Patients oppose OTC-to-Rx switches for pseudoephedrine drugs, survey finds
WASHINGTON — Patients around the country "strongly" oppose laws that have been proposed to change popular OTC drugs to prescription-only, according to a new survey.

The survey, conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, polled 2,020 adults in January who had asthma, allergies, cold, cough or flu in the past 12 months and who had purchased OTC drugs for at least one condition during that time.

Study: Smoking cessation and reduced tobacco intake compels 'non-quitters' to quit

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Smokeless tobacco users who said they didn’t want to quit changed their minds or significantly cut back when given nicotine lozenges or tobacco-free snuff in a Mayo Clinic study.

The findings are published in the February issue of Addictive Behaviors.
UrgentRx expands distribution into Duane Reade, Walmart

DENVER — UrgentRx on Wednesday announced expansion of its line of fast-acting over-the-counter flavored powder medications into Duane Reade and Walmart.
Rise-N-Shine highlights Wake Up on Time energy supplement

SPARTA TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Rise-N-Shine recently highlighted its Wake Up on Time supplement formulated to help night owls transform into morning people. Taken right before bed, Wake Up on Time starts to work six to eight hours later by releasing energy supplements for an alert, refreshed feeling.

“It's more than a vitamin; it's time in a bottle because, instead of hitting the snooze button over and over again, our product allows you bounce out of bed, ready to go,” Cathy Beggan, founder of Rise-N-Shine stated.
Cirrus Healthcare Products launches new line of licensed AquaEars

COLD SPRING HARBOR, N.Y. — Cirrus Healthcare Products will celebrate two decades of company success in 2013 with the launch of a new line of AquaEars, the company announced Wednesday. The soft silicone AquaEars ear plugs will now be available in a variety of licensed characters, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Disney and Hello Kitty.
Carma Laboratories introduces new packaging across entire Carmex line

MILWAUKEE — Carma Laboratories on Tuesday announced fresh packaging across its Carmex lip balm line designed to attract attention with a vibrant yellow and red label.

“Extensive research went into this new look," stated Paul Woelbing, Carma Labs president. "With the expansion of our product line over the years, the new packaging helps customers easily identify our products and the specific skin care solution that they are seeking."
GNC marks mass retail for nationwide distribution of its 'Marked' portfolio

PITTSBURGH — GNC is ramping up its reach beyond its 6,100 retail outlets, Joe Fortunato, the company's chairman, president and CEO, told analysts last week. The company's relationship with Sam's Club, which incorporated a branded shelf in July, is expanding; new products are being introduced to PetSmart, suggesting potential growth in pet supplements; and GNC's Marked line, co-developed with action movie star Mark Wahlberg, has been launched through Rite Aid and Walgreens.
Troy Healthcare inks Stopain sponsorship deal with AFL's Philadelphia Soul

HAZELTON, Pa. — Troy Healthcare on Wednesday signed a sponsorship agreement with the Arena Football League’s Philadelphia Soul for the 2013 season.
ThinkThin introduces new Crunch packaging along with new flavor extension

LOS ANGELES — ThinkThin on Tuesday announced its Crunch bars are getting a makeover with a new design and the addition of a coconut chocolate dipped mixed nuts flavor.

“What sets the thinkThin brand apart from competitors is our ingredients,” stated Lizanne Falsetto, CEO ThinkThin. “The new … bar delivers on our promise of providing nourishing, nutritious, great tasting food and our new Crunch packaging is a natural progression of showcasing our brand message in a clear, visually appealing way.”