HEALTH

NEW YORK — A New York-based distribution, merchandising and analytics firm has hired a former executive from Rite Aid and Duane Reade.

L&R Distributors announced Wednesday the hiring of Mike Cirilli as VP category management and procurement. L&R distributes more than 30,000 general merchandise, health, beauty and cosmetics products, pointing more than 12,000 points of distribution across the supermarket, drug, independent and mass-merchandise channels.

PHILADELPHIA — Older patients at high risk for heart disease who follow a Mediterranean diet rich in extra-virgin olive oil do not need to restrict calories, increase exercise or lose weight to prevent diabetes, according to an article being published in Annals of Internal Medicine that was released Monday. 

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Virgin Pulse on Tuesday introduced Virgin Pulse Max, an engagement and activity tracking device, as well as a new mobile app, Virgin Pulse Mobile. Max directly integrates into the Virgin Pulse software platform, enabling users to create personalized challenges based on individual program goals and track activity such as daily steps, calories burned, distance covered and active minutes of exercise. 

LAS VEGAS — Fitbit on Tuesday announced a relationship with Tory Burch to develop a collection of stylish accessory wristbands and necklaces for Fitbit Flex. The Tory Burch for Fitbit accessories collection will include pendants, bracelets and wristbands designed to hold the Fitbit Flex tracker, transforming the activity tracker into a chic accessory for work or weekend, day or evening.

CHICAGO — Walgreens' latest omnichannel offering features a partnership with TaskRabbit, an online mobile marketplace that will deliver OTC cold medicines anywhere within the 19 cities in which the service exists, according to a report published by Mashable on Monday. 

According to the report, the partnership runs this week through Feb. 18. The Walgreens OTC offering will be featured in TaskRabbit's iOS app's Task Wheel and on the TaskRabbit website.

NEW YORK — Giving young children the influenza and pneumococcal vaccines together appears to increase their risk of fever, according to a study led by researchers from Columbia University Medical Center and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released Monday afternoon. However, the fever was brief, and medical care was sought for few children, supporting the routine immunization schedule for these vaccines, including the recommendation to administer them simultaneously. 

WASHINGTON — The Consumer Healthcare Products Association reported the makers of over-the-counter pediatric liquid medications have made significant progress in carrying out voluntary efforts to promote safe use through standardized dosing directions and dosing devices, as underscored by the results of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study released Monday in Pediatrics.