HEALTH

Study: Allergies more prevalent across Southeast U.S.
BALTIMORE — A study being presented this week at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology found hay fever is more prevalent in children living in the southeastern and southern states, ACAAI announced Friday.
Condition management drives purchasing in store aisles among diabetics
According to an October 2013 poll of more than 500 AccentHealth viewers with diabetes or a family history of diabetes, regular visits to the doctor, keeping a strict fitness routine and dieting are perceived to be the most important elements in managing and preventing diabetes. Interestingly, visiting the doctor is the most adhered-to step to living a healthy life among respondents (78%).

Among diabetes sufferers and those with a diabetic in their household, the critical role of the physician in condition management is most visible:

Updated Fitbit provides seamless integration

SAN FRANCISCO — Fitbit in May released the Fitbit Flex, an activity-tracking wristband that syncs wirelessly on-the-go via Bluetooth 4.0 to select iOS and Android devices. Users can seamlessly make fitness and wellness a part of their everyday lifestyle and check their stats from anywhere.
Births among older consumers on the rise

The buying demographic for pregnancy test kits and ovulation test kits may be skewing older.

(For the full category review, including sales data, click here.)
Topricin addition soothes foot, ankle pain

RHINEBECK, N.Y. — Topical BioMedics recently gained distribution for its Topricin Foot Therapy Cream, a homeopathic topical treatment for pain associated with fibromyalgia and neuropathy that is safe for diabetics. The cream has been specially formulated to address issues associated with foot and ankle pain and injuries.
ADA pushes nutrition therapy

Supermarket pharmacy operators last month received validation for the growing number of diabetes educators and dietary nutritionists walking their aisles. In the Oct. 9 issue of Diabetes Care, the American Diabetes Association recommended all people with diabetes make nutrition therapy a part of their treatment plan.
Blog: Sanofi sues FDA to delay publication of OTC Nasacort labeling

WASHINGTON — Sanofi-Aventis has sued the Food and Drug Administration to keep its labeling for OTC Nasacort confidential in an effort to delay store brand competition until after the launch, according to an entry in the FDA Law Blog, the official blog of Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, published Thursday.
OraQuick delivers speedy diagnosis

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — With more than $7.2 million in sales for the 52 weeks ended Sept. 8, the landmark launch of Orasure Technologies’ OraQuick In-Home HIV test last year was a key driver behind the 11.7% growth in the home-test kit across U.S. multi-outlets, according to IRI. The OraQuick In-Home HIV Test detects antibodies to both HIV-1 and HIV-2 with an oral swab, providing a confidential in-home testing option with results in as little as 20 minutes.
Fitness technology units expected to race off shelves

Earlier this year, Walgreens introduced a significant boost to its Steps with Balance Rewards program, enabling users to link wireless activity trackers such as FitBit, Withings and BodyMedia to the aspirational wellness program. Loyalty cardholders who sync with one of these devices get two times the points associated with healthier behaviors — 20 points per mile and 20 points per day for tracking their weight. And each device linked earns 250 points.
Glucerna Advance shakes things up

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. — Abbott recently introduced a nutrition shake called Glucerna Advance that is formulated for people with diabetes who are seeking additional nutrition and health benefits. The new product helps to minimize blood sugar spikes while supporting heart hearth and the immune system.