HEALTH

LOS ANGELES — In the wake of a summer rebranding campaign aimed at active, health-conscious consumers, AquaHydrate on Thursday announced expansion of its distribution through GNC. 

The AquaHydrate line offers consumers "Supercharged Hydration," a combination of key electrolytes and alkalinity that helps restore balance to the body. While many sports and vitamin drinks hover around a 4 pH (relatively acidic) and most bottled water between 7 and 7.5 (pH neutral), AquaHydrate stands at a pH value of more than 9 (relatively alkaline).

NEW YORK — Consumers showed more confidence in October as a recovery in the housing market indicated a greater willingness to spend — especially among people who shop through multiple channels — but some headwinds remain, and the issues in Congress could threaten the gains, according to a new report by Deloitte.

The monthly Deloitte Consumer Spending Index rose significantly last month, to 4.02, from September's 3.54. The index measures tax burden, initial unemployment claims, wages and home prices.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens and Take Care Clinics on Friday announced the offer of free health testing for hemoglobin A1C and blood glucose at more than 3,000 U.S. locations through the end of November as part of American Diabetes Month and the Walgreens Way to Well Commitment. 

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar on Thursday announced it is expanding its holiday selection to include hundreds of toys and gifts retailing for $10 or less. 

"We know our customers look to Family Dollar to help them celebrate the holidays," stated Michael Bloom, Family Dollar president and COO. "This year, we are proud to offer an expanded selection of items to make this holiday season even more memorable and budget-friendly."

Over-the-counter medications continue to gain in popularity among consumers, who — whether as a matter of cost savings or convenience — 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. 


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ALAMEDA, Calif. — Abbott’s latest glucose meter, the FreeStyle Insulinx, is helping to bring blood-glucose monitoring up to speed with the latest in smartphone and tablet technology. The new meter features a touchscreen interface, automated logbook and is equipped with built-in FreeStyle Auto-Assist software that enables patients to track progress, analyze trends and easily display data for their healthcare providers.

OAK BROOK, Ill. — Blistex on Thursday announced the launch of Moisture Melt and Simple and Sensitive lip balms. Moisture Melt features suspended soft beads of aloe and shea butter, while Blistex Simple and Sensitive contains six essential ingredients to provide moisturization without irritation from added dyes or fragrances. 

PENWORTHAM, England — Sometimes, in looking for new ideas in the retail industry, it helps to take a peek outside the borders of the United States.