HEALTH

WASHINGTON — CastMedic Designs on Wednesday introduced its line of fashion accessories for medical walking boots.

Company founder Christina Daves developed MediFashions in 2010 after realizing no product like this currently existed. "With at least 1.5 to 2.5 million walking medical boots prescribed annually, why should that many people have to walk around in a big ugly boot? Why not have some fun?"bshe said.

LONG BEACH, Calif. — TJL Enterprises on Wednesday introduced Tummy Calm, a natural gas relief remedy for infants and children. The homeopathic remedy provides relief of stomach aches and the accompanying gas, bloating and cramping, the company said.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced on Wednesday that it has submitted comments to the U.S. House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health urging that retail pharmacies remain exempt from the Medicare durable medical equipment competitive bidding program. The subcommittee held a hearing regarding the program on Wednesday.

COLD SPRING HARBOR, N.Y. — Cirrus Healthcare on Wednesday launched a SpongeBob SquarePants-licensed line of earplugs designed to protect children when swimming, showering and studying, and during loud events.

The SpongeBob SquarePants ultra soft earplugs employs the same technology as BioEars, a soft silicone earplug that uses ActivAloe, a patented aloe vera application.

The SpongeBob SquarePants ultra soft earplugs will be merchandised in pairs of three in a waterproof carry case.

WEST ORANGE, N.J. — Everett Labs on Monday announced the launch of Pregnitude, a dietary supplement that helps support ovulation function and menstrual cycle regularity for women who are interested in conceiving.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — University of British Columbia researchers may have found a way to develop universal flu vaccines and eliminate the need for seasonal flu vaccinations, university officials announced Tuesday.

NEW YORK — Bainbridge & Knight on Tuesday announced the  GNC-exclusive launch of Lichi Elite Series, a weight management brand formulated for use by experienced body builders and competitive athletes.

CHICAGO — Consumption of probiotics is associated with a reduced risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, a common adverse effect of antibiotic use, according to a review and meta-analysis of previous studies published in the May 9 issue of JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association.