HEALTH

FERNDALE, Wash. — Wellesse on Friday announced the launch of the "New Year New Healthy You" sweepstakes, featuring a grand prize worth $3,000 that includes a year's supply of all Wellesse liquid supplements and choice of a treadmill, elliptical or exercise membership.

HOLBROOK, N.Y. — Vitamin World raised more than $545,000 on behalf of Vitamin Angels during their "Be an Angel" campaign during the 2011 holiday season, the specialty retailer announced Friday.

"We could not have accomplished so much without the generosity of our customers. Their kindness and compassion has been remarkable," Vitamin World SVP Vicki McGuire said.

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PRINCETON, N.J. — In an effort to take Type 1 diabetes research to the next level, Novo Nordisk is set to open a research and development center in Seattle.

The center, slated to open this summer, will combine basic research and early proof-of-concept trials under one umbrella, the drug maker said. Additionally, the center will be staffed by approximately 20 researchers who will be supported by corporate functions in the United States and Denmark.

According to the American Diabetes Association’s latest figures, 79 million Americans have prediabetes, but only 1-out-of-10 knows it. That suggests a terrific upside in the market of diabetes-testing supplies and diabetes-supportive products as more of those Americans become aware of their condition. 


NEW YORK — An Apple a day also may help keep the doctor away. iHealth Lab is expanding its offerings that can dock with Apple’s family of products, namely the iPhone, iPod and iPad. The company earlier this year launched its iHealth BP3 blood-pressure monitoring system and added its iHealth Digital Scale to its brand mix last October. Technophiles were exposed to the new products thanks to distribution through Best Buy and merchandising in Walmart’s electronics section through the holidays. 


CHICAGO — SymphonyIRI Group on Thursday identified the executives sitting on its new board of directors, including the naming of Lawrence Benjamin as chairman.

A 25-year veteran, Benjamin most recently held several executive positions at Royal Ahold, including CEO of U.S. foodservice, COO of Ahold's U.S. retail businesses, EVP and a seat on the company's global board. Previously, he was CEO for NutraSweet and president of the frozen meals division of Kraft. Benjamin currently is a senior adviser at New Mountain Capital.

CHICAGO — Walgreens in early January brought the latest example of its flagship retail pharmacy to life in Chicago. And, like it’s counterpart in New York, the interactive technology really sets the store apart from traditional retail pharmacy experiences. Two endcaps across from the pharmacy feature interactive touchscreens — one features information on smoking cessation, the other on heart health. Adjacent to the pharmacy’s pick-up window is a self-serve prescription checkout that dispenses a patient’s prescriptions.


Slim Fast and The Biggest Loser diets were identified as among the leading diets by U.S. News & World Report earlier this month. The ranking may reinvigorate sales across the Slim Fast franchise, which dropped to No. 11 across weight control liquids sold through food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart) for the 12 weeks ended Nov. 27 with $4.8 million in sales, according to SymphonyIRI Group. And while not necessarily associated with the Biggest Loser diet, Biggest Loser trainer Bob Harper’s signature diet aid tablet is on the rise with $1 million in sales, ranking No.