Retail Clinics

BOSTON A biotech developer owned by the University of Massachusetts Medical School has granted drug maker Merck exclusive U.S. rights to its tetanus and diphtheria vaccine, Merck announced Wednesday.

WASHINGTON In the first study of vitamin K and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma risk, researchers at the Mayo Clinic campus in Minnesota have found that people who have higher intakes of vitamin K from their diet have a lower risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

CINCINNATI Kroger views its in-store health clinic business, The Little Clinic, as an important part of its commitment to health and wellness, and is in the midst of developing an expansion plan, according to a local report.

"It is part of our long-term plan," Kroger spokeswoman Meghan Glynn was quoted as saying in a Cincinnati Enquirer article. "Customers more and more are focused on health, fitness and wellness, especially with rising healthcare costs."

WASHINGTON Vitamins and calcium supplements appear to reduce the risk of breast cancer, according to findings presented at the American Association for Cancer Research 101st Annual Meeting 2010, the association announced Sunday.

"It is not an immediate effect. You don't take a vitamin today and your breast cancer risk is reduced tomorrow," stated Jaime Matta, professor in the Ponce School of Medicine in Puerto Rico. "However, we did see a long-term effect in terms of breast cancer reduction."

CINCINNATI Kroger has appointed Kroger executive Michael Stoll to serve as CEO of The Little Clinic business.

Stoll brings 34 years of experience with Kroger in corporate benefits, human resources management and store operations to his new role. In his most recent position as VP corporate benefits, Stoll played a key role in developing the healthcare strategy and pension plans for Kroger’s 334,000 full- and part-time associates.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. As trees blossom and shed their pollen, and grasses and weeds germinate in yards, MinuteClinic is reminding allergy sufferers that it can help them take control of their seasonal allergies this spring.

DEERFIELD, Ill. Walgreens is reaffirming its commitment to diabetes prevention by becoming the founding partner of the Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance, a program designed to treat and manage diabetes, along with the YMCA of the USA.

CAMP HILL, Pa. Rite Aid and Aveeno are sponsoring the Skin Cancer Foundation's Road to Healthy Skin Tour, offering Americans free full-body skin cancer screenings and the latest sun care information.