HEALTH

ATLANTA — Leg and foot amputations among patients diagnosed with diabetes saw a dramatic decline between 1996 and 2008, thanks to improvements in blood-sugar control, foot care and diabetes management, along with declines in cardiovascular disease, according to a new study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

NEW YORK — The National Advertising Review Board on Tuesday recommended that Novartis Consumer Health discontinue advertising claims that the company’s Excedrin Extra Strength product starts relieving headache pain faster than Advil.

The claims at issue were initially challenged before the National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, makers of Advil.

PASADENA, Calif. — A human papillomavirus vaccine created by drug maker Merck does not cause autoimmune conditions after young women are inoculated, according to a new Kaiser Permanente study.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Heel last week launched Adrisin, a homeopathic medicine for the temporary relief of allergy symptoms, including runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing and skin irritations. Adrisin is packaged as a 15-count individually wrapped tablets.

NEW YORK — Help Remedies last week launched a new product targeted toward those suffering from chest congestion. The new expectorant, branded "Help I have chest congestion," contains the single active ingredient guaifenesin (200 mg), and is now available nationally at Target, the company stated.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club has expanded its Simply Right brand to include a line of quality and affordable vitamins, the retailer announced.

Sam's Club said its brand, which replaces its Member's Mark line, features refined packaging and vitamins that are formulated to deliver the same benefits in a smaller pill, making it ideal for members and families who have difficulty swallowing pills, Sam's Club said. The line includes triple strength fish oil, Co Q-10 softgels, glucosamine HCl and vitamin D3.

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. — One-in-5 consumers are asking their pharmacists questions about vitamins and supplements, according to a survey of pharmacists that was released Tuesday by Pharmavite.

The survey found that pharmacists estimated they answer questions regarding prescription medications for about half of their customers (51%). By comparison, they estimated they answer questions about OTC products for just 1-in-3 customers (35%) — and when it comes to answering questions about vitamins and supplements, they estimated they do so for 23% of their customers (23%).

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — Clif on Tuesday announced a flavor line extension — iced oatmeal cookie — for its Clif Kid Zbar brand.

“In a recent nationwide survey, Clif Kid learned that 75% of parents believe it’s actually harder to feed their kids healthy snacks than healthy meals,” stated Jennifer Yun, brand director for Clif Kid. “As parents, we know it’s helpful to keep healthier lunchbox snacks interesting.”