HEALTH

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. 

NEW YORK — This year is turning out to be a strong cough and cold season even though there are more flu shots being administered at retail, and those flu shots are a pretty good match to the popular strains this year — 99.4% of the H3N2 influenza viruses tested matched one of the three components of the 2012 to 2013 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine. Overall, for the four weeks ending Dec. 30, sales of remedies for sore throats and cough syrups were up 12.5% and 26.2%, respectively, according to SymphonyIRI Group data as measured across all channels. 

BUFORD, Ga. — "I can't wear this thing." That's the sentiment from some patients when their doctor presents a fracture boot to them after a leg injury. Most often, it's not simply an aesthetic choice. The slight discrepancy in leg length while wearing a fracture boot can cause patients intolerable pain and discomfort. The removable, reusable and adjustable Evenup shoelift equalizes the induced limb-length discrepancy caused by fracture walkers, cast boots or a thick-soled wound-healing shoe.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Wednesday shipped an additional 200,000 doses of flu vaccine to its pharmacies in the U.S.

"This additional quantity of flu vaccine will allow us to meet the needs of our customers to help them remain healthy this season," stated Darren Singer, SVP Pharmacy. "Our pharmacists administer the vaccine on a walk-in basis. The process is simple, convenient and affordable. We want all of our customers to have this protection."

NEW YORK — Despite caution among consumers, retailers wrapped up 2012 with a healthy holiday shopping season, according to a new report by a retailing trade group.

The National Retail Federation said Tuesday that holiday retail sales increased 3% over the year before, to $579.8 billion. December retail sales increased 0.8% seasonally adjusted from November and 2.1% unadjusted year over year. Nevertheless, the 3% increase was still below the NRF's projected 4.1% growth. Meanwhile, nonstore holiday sales grew 11.1%.