HEALTH

WASHINGTON — Truth, one of the largest and most effective youth smoking prevention campaigns, and Cotopaxi, the outdoor gear company on a mission to alleviate poverty, on Friday joined forces to make positive changes in local communities and take a stand against tobacco.

Truth will join Cotopaxi for 25 of their 2017-2018 Questival adventure races, kicking off the partnership at the Aug. 11 event in Philadelphia. They will launch a limited-edition Luzon Daypack designed by Brooklyn-based artist Kevin Lyons.

While everyone is focusing on pure play online giant Amazon, what they are likely missing is how brick and mortar retailers are driving ecommerce sales growth, noted TABS Analytics last week in a blog. "The TABS Analytics 10th Vitamin and Minerals Study revealed that online sales by traditional brick and mortar retailers propelled the market to an all-time high, growing an estimated 6% in the last year to reach $13.5 billion in annual sales," the company reported. "Walmart.com, specifically, had a breakout year for VMS sales. ...

DUBLIN — As more consumers continue to capitalize on the value of a national brand equivalent through the appeal of the kind of own brand mindset many retailers have today, private label has never looked so promising. Not only is there continued growth in core categories due to the migration of consumers from national brand to store brand, but also the potential for new OTC product classes to emerge as the administration struggles to make healthcare more affordable.

EAGAN, Minn. — As part of an effort to raise greater awareness around diabetes prevention, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is launching a campaign called "Reverse It." The campaign focuses on helping Minnesotans identify their individual risk factors for prediabetes as well as the steps they can take to lessen the likelihood of getting type 2 diabetes.

ATLANTA — Condom use is up among men, according to a report published Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the National Health Statistics Reports.

During 2011–2015, 23.8% of women and 33.7% of men aged 15–44 used a condom at their last opportunity in the previous 12 months, an increase for men since 2002 (29.5%). The usage rate for women had not changed.

PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – When it comes to pregnant and new moms, more than three quarters (77%) say a “doctor recommended” seal is important when purchasing OTCs, according to a  new four-part survey titled, “Mom-Shop Report, A National Survey of New Moms’ Shopping Behavior,” conducted by RLA Collective, Persuadable Research and the Mommy MD Guides.

POMONA, Calif. — KC Pharmaceuticals on Tuesday named Jim Medford to the role of president and CEO.

With extensive industry leadership experience in the private label arena, Medford will direct the company's over-the-counter own brand eye care products.