HEALTH

Congress sounds off: Affordable hearing aids will happen in 2018
One OTC category expected to emerge in the coming year is hearing aids, which, when paired with in-store hearing aid service centers, will become a powerful solution set. Earlier this year, CVS Pharmacy opened seven hearing stores-within-stores in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C., area, with plans to expand significantly by year’s end.
A&D Medical launches new line of UltraConnect blood pressure monitors
SAN DIEGO — A&D Medical is featuring its new line of UltraConnect blood pressure monitors at the NACDS Total Store Expo this weekend here.

Future Trends: Self care, wellness shift to drive innovation in new, emerging health segments

No matter where you stand with regard to Obamacare or the American Health Care Act that Congress is debating even now, one factor is certain: The cost of health care — and the consumer’s share of that cost — is only going to grow.
Health-and-wellness assortment for new, expecting moms grows

In the healthcare space, it’s a long-held tenet that female heads of household, aka moms, are the primary purchasers of the OTC remedies and balms that cure ailments. So, why not capture her loyalty from the beginning — or even before the beginning?
Aromatherapy manufacturer Young Living Essential Oils names chief supply officer

LEHI, Utah — Young Living Essential Oils on Thursday promoted Lauren Walker to the role of chief supply officer. In her time with Young Living, she and her team have further implemented rigorous sourcing standards while also streamlining manufacturing, warehousing and fulfillment operations.
Marketing pain relief to all ages

Aging baby boomers have been a prime market for OTC analgesics, but the oldest members of society don’t have a monopoly on aches and pains. A new marketing campaign for Prestige Brands’ Anacin seeks to address this fact by aiming squarely at the millennial generation.
Consumers’ dreams come true with new sleep solution sets

No longer a dormant category, sales of sleep aids continue to climb at a rate of 3.9% for the 52 weeks ended June 11 across total U.S. multi-outlets, according to IRI. While that entire category was lifted with the introduction of Procter & Gamble’s ZzzQuil line, which still figures prominently, it only started there.
Lewis hones broad product strategy

How does Lewis Drug thrive in a crowded and super-competitive marketplace? The company’s success formula is no big secret, said Bob Meyer, SVP of merchandise and marketing, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to replicate. “[We try] to find niches in the marketplace where we feel we can do better than our competition,” Meyer explained.
More consumers choosing smartwatch over activity trackers, NPD Group says

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. – With the introduction of new devices, new features and updates to hardware and operating systems alike, 2017 has brought a number of changes to the smartwatch market.

As of June 2017, nearly 9% of U.S. consumers aged 18 and over owned a smartwatch, up almost 1.5 percentage points from the six months prior.
Hy-Vee ties new diabetes lifestyle management program to on-site dietitians

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Hy-Vee on Friday announced it now offers a Begin for Diabetes lifestyle management program, in addition to its existing Begin and Begin 4 Kids programs. All three options are led by registered dietitians in Hy-Vee’s 244 stores across its eight-state region.