In this Issue

Earlier this year, Walgreens introduced a significant boost to its Steps with Balance Rewards program, enabling users to link wireless activity trackers such as FitBit, Withings and BodyMedia to the aspirational wellness program. Loyalty cardholders who sync with one of these devices get two times the points associated with healthier behaviors — 20 points per mile and 20 points per day for tracking their weight. And each device linked earns 250 points.

According to an October 2013 poll of more than 500 AccentHealth viewers with diabetes or a family history of diabetes, regular visits to the doctor, keeping a strict fitness routine and dieting are perceived to be the most important elements in managing and preventing diabetes. Interestingly, visiting the doctor is the most adhered-to step to living a healthy life among respondents (78%).

Among diabetes sufferers and those with a diabetic in their household, the critical role of the physician in condition management is most visible:

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Looking to further meet the grooming needs of its male shoppers and further leverage the increased focus on men’s facial skin care, Walgreens debuted earlier this year Boots’ No7 Men+ chain-wide at Walgreens and Duane Reade stores nationwide.

The six-SKU collection includes No7 Men Protect & Perfect Intense Serum, No7 Men Rapid Revival Eye Roll On and No7 Men Energising Face Wash.

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. — Abbott recently introduced a nutrition shake called Glucerna Advance that is formulated for people with diabetes who are seeking additional nutrition and health benefits. The new product helps to minimize blood sugar spikes while supporting heart hearth and the immune system.

“If your brand was delisted tomorrow, would anybody care?”

That’s the cold, hard question retailers and manufacturers need to confront. That was a key message Shannon Curtin, Walgreens group VP beauty, personal care and seasonal, had for attendees of a special one-day summit co-hosted by The Drug Store News Group and the Mack Elevation Forum in August. “Care equals long-term revenue potential. When there is no care, brands simply do not exist,” she said.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Energizer has made improvements to its Ultimate Lithium and Energizer Recharge AA and AAA batteries. Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries now hold power for up to 20 years when not in use. Energizer says that no other AA or AAA battery holds power longer, making Ultimate Lithium ideal for high-drain devices. Energizer Recharge AA batteries have also been infused with extended-life additives for a battery life of up to five years.

Creating a home destination center for diabetic patients stocked with products appropriate to their condition —not only including sugar tablets, gels and liquids, but also nutritional supplements, homeopathic products, skin creams and lotions, oral care solutions, pain relief products and hypoglycemic products — has gained in importance thanks to the price pressures associated with competitive bidding in the diabetes space.

One year after DSN’s groundbreaking ‘Gets Well’ issue, Rite Aid keeps growing profits and cred with shoppers and Wall St.

One year ago, DSN featured an exclusive report, “Rite Aid Gets Well,” on the cover of the Dec. 10, 2012 issue, examining how the company’s core strategy built around wellness empowerment was helping it turn around its business.