HEALTH

ATLANTA — Iovate Health Sciences last week showcased a new Pro Clinical Hydroxycut Herbal for dieters looking for a stimulant-free herbal weight-loss formula here at the ECRM Vitamin, Diet & Sports Nutrition EPPS conference.

According to the company, the new herbal formula, which first reached store shelves in September, also is gluten free and contains no artificial colors, dyes or flavors.

WASHINGTON — The New England Journal of Medicine on Thursday published an op-ed online that called for more rule-making to govern dietary supplements in an effort to rein in the criminal activity of illicit prescription drug manufacturers that openly disregard the laws currently in effect.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — Lower-limb amputation is a very real risk for many of the 25.8 million Americans living with diabetes. Though this study may be encouraging, the job of reducing the incidence of diabetes — and in particular, educating people about the need to watch their diets, take their medications and take care of their bodies — remains far from complete, as other recent stories in the media have revealed.

NORWELL, Mass. — Carex Health Brands recently launched its ultimate shower massager, a shower head that features a full body spray and five different massage settings.

The chrome shower head comes with an easy-to-install shower head holder, a wide showerhead handle for a secure grip and an extra-long 84-in. tangle-free hose.

The Carex ultimate shower massager will be available January 2012 online and at select retailers, independent pharmacies and drug stores at a suggested retail price of $34.99.

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. — ProPhase Labs on Thursday named the October, November and December winners of its "Share Your Cause Not Your Cold" campaign. ProPhase awarded $1,000 to three charities: LuLu's Rescue, an all-volunteer, companion animal rescue group; Backpack Buddies, which provides weekend meals to students in need; and Hannah's Home, a respite for single, young women who are pregnant.

ATLANTA — Clover Labs, based in Fairview, Tenn., last week announced a new delivery system format — peppermint-flavored gum — for an intimacy supplement presented at the ECRM Vitamin, Diet & Sports Nutrition EPPS conference.

Branded Vantage-X, the product is designed to take up to one hour prior to intimacy.

The company has also partnered with Ansell Healthcare and Biofilm with a number of combination packs coupling Clover's Vantage-X with Lifestyle-brand condoms and Astroglide personal lubricants, respectively.

ATLANTA — DRS Health presented attendees of last week's ECRM Vitamin, Diet & Sports Nutrition EPPS conference with a line of supplements that's not only doctor-recommended but also doctor-developed. All of the product facings feature a picture of the doctor who helped develop the particular formula.

There is significant opportunity within what some suppliers are calling “light DME” — those daily living aids essential to people who need durable medical equipment solutions. And while the standard definition of DME drums up images of motorized wheelchairs or incliner/recliner sofas, those big-ticket items supplemented by Medicare do not necessarily represent the best opportunity for mass retailers. It’s the smaller items — canes, extended-handle instruments and bathroom safety — that are more often the cash items that represent the opportunity.