Lifestyle

NEW YORK — Focus Boost on Friday announced the launch of its signature brand into the U.S. market. A national advertising campaign in support of the launch will kick off in the pages of Psychology Today, the company added. 

BARRINGTON, Ill. – The term "red state" takes on a new meaning when one looks not at politics, but at the incidence of a widespread but poorly understood skin disorder that causes reddening of the face.

Attention, community pharmacists! How well do you know your patients?

A new study from a Canadian sociologist sheds new light on the health habits of middle-aged Americans, and asserts that those with higher educational levels are significantly more likely to pursue healthier behaviors than their less-educated peers.

PHOENIX — Arizona last week launched what it is billing as the first-ever comprehensive program aimed at helping adolescents and young adult smokers called “The Cignal.” The program uses a website (TheCignal.com) with customized tips and advice for young smokers and a toll-free helpline (1-800-55-66-222) where they can talk to quit coaches for free.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Walmart Foundation is donating $1.29 million to the Institute for America's Health to expand its anti-obesity program at schools in major cities, the IAH said.

The organization said it would use the money to expand the program at 30 elementary schools in Atlanta, Chicago and Washington and fund a statewide expansion of the program in Alabama. The Walmart Foundation donated $1 million to fund the program last year as well.

WASHINGTON — The cost of providing employee healthcare benefits at the nation's largest employers is projected to increase 7% in 2014 — the third-consecutive year employers have budgeted this amount, according to a new survey by the National Business Group on Health, a nonprofit association of more than 265 large U.S. employers. The survey also found that some employers believe health insurance exchanges could be a viable option for certain populations.

WASHINGTON — Better-educated middle-aged Americans are less likely to smoke and more apt to be physically active than their less-educated peers. They also are more inclined to make healthy changes and adhere to them, according to a new study in the September issue of the Journal of Health and Social Behavior.

QUINCY, Mass. — Stop & Shop recently sponsored a "Healthy Kids Summit" in Pawtucket, R.I., with help from local community health experts, the company said.