HEALTH

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.

PRINCETON, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has declined to approve a drug for Type 2 diabetes made by Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca, saying it needs additional clinical data, the companies said Thursday.

NEW YORK — Patients that are simultaneously treated for Type 2 diabetes and depression are more likely to adhere to their medication and see improvement in their symptoms, compared with those receiving usual primary care, according to a new study.

CHICAGO — The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is reminding consumers that the first-line defenses against Type 2 diabetes are a healthy diet and regular exercise, and that these defenses can be aided with the help of a registered dietitian.

The organization issued a press release following the announcement that celebrity chef Paula Deen had Type 2 diabetes and was working with Novo Nordisk to shed light on the issue.

PITTSBURGH — GNC announced that two U.S. Women's National Soccer Team players will serve as GNC LiveWell brand ambassadors.

The company said Alex Morgan and Heather Mitts will work with GNC to reach out to aspiring athletes and fitness enthusiasts through social media, video, appearances and marketing materials.

NEW YORK — A wide range of factors and "moving parts" will likely make 2012 a challenging year for pharmacy retailers as the economy, generic drugs and the dispute between Walgreens and Express Scripts figure prominently, analysts say.

Still, they say, various factors may serve to benefit drug stores and other retailers that operate pharmacies.