HEALTH

Walgreens, Bausch + Lomb partner on web-based patient education program on eye health
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Bausch + Lomb and Walgreens on Wednesday introduced a new SightSense online and in-store patient education program in an effort to heighten eye health awareness and encourage consumers to take proactive steps to protect and preserve their sight.
Survey finds connection between pet, childhood obesity
CALABASH, N.C. — It seems that Fluffy is getting a little fluffy as a new survey indicates that pet obesity is on the rise, particularly among cats.

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found in its sixth annual National Pet Obesity Awareness Day survey that 52.5% of dogs and 58.3% of cats were overweight or obese, meaning that about 80 million dogs and cats are at increased risk for weight-related disorders such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure and cancers. The survey included 1,485 dogs and 450 cats.

NIH: Weight gain does not outweigh smoking cessation in risk of CVD

BETHESDA, Md. — The improvement in cardiovascular health that results from quitting smoking far outweighs the limited risks to cardiovascular health from the modest amount of weight gained after quitting, according to a National Institutes of Health-funded community study released Wednesday.
Former Bayer executive wins CHPA award

WASHINGTON — The former president of Bayer HealthCare's Worldwide Consumer Care Division has won a lifetime-achievement award from a trade group focused on the OTC industry.

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association announced that it gave its Ivan D. Combe Lifetime Achievement Award to Gary Balkema at its annual executive conference in Naples, Fla.
CHPA: OTC industry well-positioned to seize self-care opportunity

NAPLES, Fla. — The Consumer Healthcare Products Association's Annual Executive Conference was sold out for the first time since 2001, CHPA president and CEO Scott Melville told a packed morning session, and that is a strong prognosticator as to the health and vitality of the self-care industry.
Congress addresses the elephant in the room: Cost savings yielded by pharmacy-based MTM

A 12-to-1 return on investment. That’s what researchers in Minnesota estimated public and private health plan payers can get when they pay pharmacists to provide medication therapy management.
Robin Leedy and Associates wins three new OTC clients

MOUNT KISCO, N.Y. — Public relations and digital marketing firm Robin Leedy and Associates has added three new clients, the firm said Tuesday.

RL&A said the clients were Matrixx Initiatives, which makes the Zicam family of pre-cold and nasal congestion products; Crosscare, which makes Colief Infant Drops for colic related to transient lactase deficiency; and Cirrus Healthcare Products, which makes EarPlanes air-pressure ear plugs, as well as AquaEars for children. The firm specializes in OTC, health and beauty aids and consumer lifestyle brands marketed to women.
Oceans Omega, DSM Nutritional Products enter supply agreement

PARAMUS, N.J. — Oceans Omega has a new supply agreement with DSM Nutritional Products for the production of Oceans Omega's OTEC emulsion ingredients, the company said Monday.

DSM is a supplier of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, carotenoids and other ingredients to the feed, food, dietary supplement and personal care industries. Oceans Omega supplies stabilized omega-3 EPA and DHA ingredients.
At-home tests grow in popularity

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The landmark launch of Orasure Technologies' OraQuick In-Home HIV test last year was a key driver behind the 5.4% growth in the home-test kit category for the 12 weeks ended Dec. 30 across U.S. multi-outlets, according to SymphonyIRI Group data. The HIV test contributed $1 million in purely incremental sales to the total $15.5 million in category sales.
Arco Health introduces weight-loss gum

BELLEFONTAINE, Ohio — Arco Health Inc. announced this week the release of a new chewing gum designed to aid users in losing weight and to keep their appetites in check. New Diet-Burst Gum is formulated to make a person feel fuller and quell cravings between meals.