HEALTH

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — H. D. Smith on Monday announced its support for H.R. 1041, otherwise known as the Fairness in Medicare Bidding Act.

Introduced in March by Reps. Jason Altmire, D-Pa., and Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., the bill seeks to repeal the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies competitive bidding program included in the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA). 

WASHINGTON — The Natural Products Association on Thursday launched a grassroots campaign to oppose the Dietary Supplement Labeling Act, recently introduced in Congress by Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., and is urging its more than 1,900 members to ask their legislators to oppose the legislation by sending them a letter at NPAinfo.org/Durbin.

HOUSTON — Physician’s Preference, Vitamins and Supplements wellness experts on Wednesday announced an initiative to educate Americans on the importance of obtaining optimal vitamin D status — as the “sunshine vitamin” is coupled with numerous health benefits — by setting the facts straight about sunscreen use and offering quick tips for increasing one’s vitamin D level.

NEW YORK — Market research company Kline recently announced a series of complimentary webinars in the coming weeks around the personal care, home care and healthcare industries.

The series includes five webinars on the skin care market, cosmetics and toiletries, home fragrances, anti-aging and natural over-the-counter remedies scheduled on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from July 19 through July 27.

For more information, click here.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Pharmacy groups are urging Congress to maintain access to diabetic testing supplies in retail pharmacies for patients with diabetes.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Danish drug maker Novo Nordisk will work with advocacy group Children with Diabetes to distribute materials to children newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, the two said Thursday.

The approximately 7,000 kits, designed to help them learn to live with the condition, include a booklet, savings offers and patient-support videos, and were created based on feedback from CWD members with Type 1 diabetes. Patients can order the kits through their doctors.

BURLINGTON, Mass. — Novo Nordisk could be outpacing Eli Lilly and Amylin Pharmaceuticals in the diabetes wars, according to an analysis by healthcare market research firm Decision Resources.

Pharmavite’s newest product, Nature Made Krill Oil, offers a new source of omega-3 fatty acids in addition to a naturally occurring antioxidant called astaxanthin. The algae that krill eat produce the bright-red pigment astaxanthin that gives krill and other crustaceans, such as lobster and shrimp, their reddish-pink color. The Krill Oil comes in a small, easy-to-swallow soft-gel capsule and offers an alternative source of omega-3 fatty acids without a fishy burp or aftertaste. Each soft gel delivers 90 mg of omega-3 and 75 mg of phospholipids. Suggested retail price is $24.99.