HEALTH

RHINEBECK, N.Y. — Topical BioMedics on Thursday named the winners of their second annual Topricin Travel Photo Contest.

The company asked customers to snap photographs of “Where in the World” they take the topical pain reliever Topricin. Fans answered the call by providing images from around the globe.

Winners were selected based on photo composition, creativity and product presence. 

ATLANTA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday reported a slight drop in influenza-like illnesses across the country, but even so the season is still going strong. The proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness for the week ended Jan. 12 was 4.6%, above the national baseline of 2.2%

RESTON, Va. — STS Health on Thursday announced the launch of its homeopathic cold and flu symptom reliever FluNada. 

"After years of intensive research and testing, this natural spray product has been developed to offer a new era of relief from common cold and flu-like symptoms," stated Steven Schwartz, who invented the product. "Each of the active ingredients integrated into the spray was chosen based on the specific health characteristics it provides. In addition, it was important to develop a product that was 100% free of zinc."

This will be a big year for implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and the National Community Pharmacists Association will track the process closely on behalf of NCPA members and the patients they serve. NCPA recently submitted comments about the ACA’s Multi-State Plans, or MSPs, being designed by the Office of Personnel Management.

WASHINGTON — The dietary supplement industry’s self-regulatory coalition, the SIDI Work Group, on Thursday announced the release of its voluntary Dietary Supplement Component Supplier Qualification Guideline — a document designed to assist the industry in supply chain integrity, which is a requirement for complying with current good manufacturing practices. 

CINCINNATI — Out of more than 200,000 entries, Procter & Gamble named "William R." of Pennsylvania winner of the ultimate sports pack as part of Wild American Flavor Sweepstakes sponsored by Prilosec OTC Wildberry.

The contestant won a once-in-a-lifetime trip to three of the country’s "most flavorful" cities that host the biggest sporting events in America, including tickets to the Super Bowl, NASCAR's Daytona 500 and the NCAA basketball championship game in Atlanta, travel and accommodations and $5,000. 

MINNEAPOLIS — General Mills has introduced a new protein bar that it said was designed to satisfy cravings while being healthy.

The company announced the introduction of Fiber One Protein Bars, available in caramel nut and coconut almond flavors. The caramel nut bar contains seven grams of protein and 130 calories, while the coconut almond bar contains six grams of protein and 140 calories.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Vestcom on Tuesday launched VitaAisles, a shopper-friendly, comprehensive in-store education program designed to support consumer demand for health information regarding vitamins, minerals and supplements.