HEALTH

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — A new survey commissioned by The Dannon Company found that the majority of Americans understand the importance of digestive health and its link to overall well-being, the company announced Wednesday. While 93% of Americans agree that digestive health is closely linked to overall health and wellbeing, some may not always know the simple steps to help keep their digestive system on track.

PRINCETON, N.J. — Novo Nordisk has launched a mobile app for hemophilia patients, the drug maker said.

HemaGo — available for iPhone, iPad and Android devices — is designed to track hemophilia treatment, bleeding episodes and life events, helping people with the condition and their caregivers monitor the details of treatment, including medications, dosing, bleeding information and the disease's effects on life events.

LANCASTER, S.C. — Nutramax Laboratories on Wednesday announced the nationwide launch of Cosequin for Dogs into Walmart stores. Cosequin is formulated to support, nourish and maintain the health of canine joints and cartilage. Included in the product launch is Dermaquin Plus, an omega-3 fish oil supplement for dogs supporting skin and coat health plus overall wellness.

Consumers are increasingly turning to OTCs to treat their conditions, including both acute, episodic conditions like the common cold and such chronic conditions as frequent pain and allergy. However, the extent to which OTCs are used varies by condition, according to an online survey of more than 900 AccentHealth viewers conducted in September. Headache sufferers reported using OTC medications most often (89%), while sufferers of certain digestive disorders use OTCs less often (53%).

To see more Patient Views, click here.

The November/December 2012 Cough, Cold and Flu Ingredient Guide breaks down the indication, ingredients, purpose and dosage of Mucinex, Vicks, Advil, Theraflu, Delsym, St. Joseph, Hyland's Similasan and Zicam products.

Click here for the complete guide.

The majority of OTC purchases are made in chain drug, according to an online survey of more than 900 AccentHealth viewers conducted in September. No fewer than 47% of AccentHealth viewers make their purchases there, followed by mass outlets (33%) and grocery stores (12%). Less than 3% seek out OTC products in the dollar store, local drug store and club store, respectively. And only 1% make that OTC purchase online.

To see more Patient Views, click here.

LOS ANGELES — Akeso Health Sciences on Tuesday announced the availability of MigreLief Triple Therapy with Puracol, a nonprescription, comprehensive supplement formulated to maintain normal cerebrovascular function by addressing the underlying nutritional deficiencies and imbalances common to many migraine sufferers.   

SEATTLE — A new review of existing studies points toward a potential role for vitamin D in helping to prevent dental caries, or tooth decay. The review, published in the December issue of Nutrition Reviews, encompassed 24 controlled clinical trials, spanning the 1920s to the 1980s, on approximately 3,000 children in several countries. These trials showed that vitamin D was associated with an approximately 50% reduction in the incidence of tooth decay, the University of Washington announced Tuesday.