HEALTH

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force on Tuesday posted its final recommendation statement on vitamin, mineral and multivitamin supplements for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, the Task Force concluded there is not enough evidence to determine the effectiveness of taking vitamins and minerals to prevent cardiovascular disease or cancer. 

ATLANTA — It appears this year's flu season will officially wind down toward the beginning of March. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday reported a decline in influenza activity, though nationwide it's still above the national baseline. 

No states reported high influenza like illness activity, the CDC noted, and seven states experienced moderate ILI activity (Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, New Mexico, Texas and Virginia).

LOS ANGELES — Hyland's recently added three line extensions to its portfolio of cough-cold products — both an adult and pediatric mucus expectorant and a nighttime option for toddlers. Mucus relief accounts for 14% of the cough-cold category, Hyland's reported, citing Nielsen data for the 52 weeks ended Jan. 18 across all channels. 

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Omron Healthcare on Monday launched the Alvita Ultimate Pedometer, which replaces its HJ-112 model. The new pedometer uses Tri-Axis technology to count steps accurately almost anywhere the device is positioned, including the hip, pocket or a purse. It has four activity modes for both regular and aerobic activities, and stores up to seven days of information on the display.

SAN FRANCISCO — Long-term daily multivitamin use may lower cataract risk in men, according to a study of nearly 15,000 male physicians published this month in Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

SCARSDALE, N.Y. — HungerShield recently expanded its diet aid, adding an iced tea flavor. 

"We developed this new flavor because while customers love the original taste of lemon-lime HungerShield, the iced tea version offers the option of a slightly sweeter, less tart variety in a refreshing flavor most people love," said Dafna Chazin, HungerShield co-founder. "We believe that we will be pleasing thousands of current and new customers everywhere with this new, delicious alternative.”

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. — O'Connor Companies' new product GoGargle! was named Best New Product last week at the ECRM Cough-Cold, Analgesics and Allergy meeting. GoGargle! is an effervescent salt gargle that soothes and moisturizes dry and irritated throats in a new way. 

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration will host a public meeting in March to discuss updating the OTC monograph system, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday. 

According to the report, the FDA will consider improving the agency's ability to initiate label changes quickly, allowing for faster innovation from manufacturers and imposing new pediatric dosing limits based on the most recent science.