INSIGHTS AND PERSPECTIVES

OTTAWA — Getting a flu shot during pregnancy provides unanticipated benefits to the baby, according to the authors of a large population-based study examining the issue. Specifically, the study showed that H1N1 vaccination during the pandemic was associated with a significantly reduced risk of stillbirth, preterm birth and extremely small babies at birth.

NEW YORK — Being overweight and obesity during adolescence are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease risk factors, especially prediabetes and diabetes, according to researchers.

BOULDER, Colo. — Giant-Landover and ShopRite are shoppers' two favorite supermarkets, according to results of a survey released Tuesday.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Just 1-in-67 shoppers, or 1.5%, determine the success of a new product, according to Catalina Marketing's "New Product Report."

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, once was among the most feared childhood diseases and was a frequent killer of young children. Today, it's mostly under control, a testament to the importance of vaccinations.

(THE NEWS: Pertussis cases increase tenfold in Washington over May 2011. For the full story, click here )

WHITING, Ind. — Smartphones and couponing go hand in hand, according to a new CouponCabin.com survey.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — U.S. bottled water consumption increased to 9.1 billion gallons in 2011, up 4.1% from 2010, according to a new report.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — Retailers are worried about rising gas prices, and apparently for good reason — while consumers aren't scrimping at the pump, what they are spending on more gas means less is spent elsewhere. And value continues to be a key decision influencer — 1-in-5 consumers are holding out for the "big" Memorial Day weekend shopping spree as they trade the traditional beach volleyball for blowout deals; and 4-in-5 consumers are on the look-out for rebates in making their purchase decision.