HEALTH

Reports: Fruth Pharmacy has sold nearly 1,000 boxes of tamper-resistant pseudoephedrine product
NEW YORK — Fruth Pharmacy is seeing a positive response from customers in its efforts to limit the sale of OTC cold and allergy medications that contain pseudoephedrine, according to published reports.

The West Virginia MetroNews Network reported that Fruth had sold nearly 1,000 boxes of Acura Pharmaceuticals' Nexafed, a nasal decongestant that contains tamper-resistant properties to limit its appeal to makers of methamphetamine, and the product has been popular with customers since its introduction at the stores in August.
Study: 2,000 IUs of vitamin E daily effective in slowing functional decline in AD patients
CHICAGO — Among patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer disease, a daily dosage of 2,000 IUs of vitamin E, compared to placebo, was effective in slowing functional decline and in reducing caregiver time in assisting patients, according to a study that appeared in the Jan. 1 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

FDA cracks down on illegal concussion claims

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration is cracking down on companies claiming their products can speed recovery from concussions, according to a consumer update posted Wednesday.
NBTY donates nearly $7 million in products, money throughout 2013

RONKONKOMA, N.Y. — In 2013, NBTY supported more than 30 organizations, including Feed The Children and International Aid, with nearly $7 million in products and money to provide sustenance, nutrition and support to those who need it most, the supplement manufacturer announced Thursday.

NBTY's donations to Feed The Children are estimated to have reached almost 450,000 beneficiaries, the company stated.
CDC's 2012 Tips From Former Smokers campaign helped more than 100,000 Americans quit smoking

ATLANTA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2012 Tips From Former Smokers campaign helped more than 100,000 Americans likely quit smoking for good, exceeding the original goal of 50,000, the agency announced Wednesday.

The 2013 Tips campaign generated 150,000 additional calls to quitlines and 2.8 million additional website visits.
Study: Researchers find that committing to quit smoking every Monday improves success rate

SAN DIEGO — According to a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, 120 million Americans will make New Year’s resolutions, with such health-related goals as quitting smoking topping the list.

Unfortunately, most of those quitters will be puffing away by Groundhog Day.
Report: U.S. retail sales rise 3.5% during holiday season

PURCHASE, N.Y. — U.S. retail sales reportedly rose 3.5% between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24, 2013 compared to the same period in the prior year. According to data from MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse, sales of holiday-related categories, such as clothing, electronics and luxury goods, rose 2.3%, after rising 0.7% in 2012.
Promo Watch: Creating a balanced approach to store brands
Alka-Seltzer Fruit Chews revive brand

WHIPPANY, N.J. — Thanks in part to the launch of Alka-Seltzer Fruit Chews, the Alka-Seltzer brand has experienced a resurgence within the antacid tablet category. Brand sales are up 422.4% to $7.2 million for the 52 weeks ended Oct. 6, according to IRI data across total U.S. multi-outlets.
Condom companies target younger men

Overall, sales of intimacy health products are down slightly. Sales of condoms are down 2.1% to $382.6 million, according to IRI for the 52 weeks ended Oct. 6 across total U.S. multi-outlets. Personal lubricant sales were similarly down — falling 5.3% to $207.5 million. Only sales of personal massagers were up 5.6%, but on a relatively tiny base of $25.7 million.