HEALTH

CHICAGO — With the path to purchase evolving, merchandising has increased across just more than half of CPG categories and declined in 47% of categories, SymphonyIRI Group reported Tuesday. 

The drug channel has seen the most erosion in merchandising support, with declines in 60% of the categories within the channel in 2012.

NEW YORK — WebMD Health Corp. on Tuesday launched the WebMD Allergy app for the iPhone, a mobile resource that empowers consumers to take control of their allergies. 

"The WebMD Allergy app provides consumers with accurate and personalized weather-related allergy information to help them proactively manage their allergy conditions," stated Michael Smith, WebMD chief medical editor. "WebMD's trusted allergy information is delivered through an innovative mobile app to help consumers be better prepared to face the day."

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark is marking American Heart Month by encouraging heart-healthy behavior in February, the company said Tuesday.

PALM CITY, Fla. — GelStat Corporation on Monday announced that it has retained List Services Corp. to manage all branding and marketing efforts for GelStat Corporation and its products, GelStat Migraine and GelStat Sleep. LSC is a direct marketing agency that has evolved from a list management and brokerage house into a full service solution.

SHELTON, Conn. — Energizer Personal Care has introduced a line of wipes designed for use after sex.

Energizer announced Tuesday the introduction of Fresh + Sexy wipes by Playtex, described as a before-and-after intimate wipe to help couples feel clean after sexual activity.

CHICAGO — A JAMA report released Monday afternoon that suggested a high intake of supplemental calcium is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease death in men was criticized by several dietary supplement agencies for being inconclusive. According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition's most recent survey of U.S. adults, 17% indicated they take a calcium supplement.

Money is a powerful motivator. Look no further than the sports world for validation. The PGA’s FedEx Cup encourages golfers to earn “points” towards participation in playoffs that offer a big season-ending payoff. Tennis has a similar format with the U.S. Open Series where performance in a series of events equates to a huge prize purse. Both instances use hefty prize money to help ensure the top performers participate and at high levels.

ARLINGTON, Va. — A university research project to look at the potential effects on patient health of incorporating medication management strategies into existing care teams has won a grant from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores' philanthropic arm.

The NACDS Foundation said it gave the University of Nebraska Medical Center one of three research grants for the project, which will look at the effects of the strategies when they're incorporated into teams such as medical homes and accountable care organizations.