HEALTH

DALLAS — Kotex has introduced a new line of products designed specifically for tweens to help moms proactively talk to their daughters and guide them through an important “first.”

New U by Kotex Tween features pads and liners that are sized smaller to fit a tween’s body. The products also include an informational booklet on the inside that is aimed to help reduce the anxiety for moms and tweens during the conversation about menstruation, the company said.

ATLANTA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is participating in a new docudrama that debuts on Animal Planet beginning Friday at 9 p.m., the agency announced earlier this week.

Animal Planet has ordered six episodes of the new series “Killer Outbreaks.” Each episode features potentially deadly viruses and includes commentary from CDC experts and victims of the outbreaks. "Killer Outbreaks" began production in March 2010, and in total, producers interviewed 43 subject matter experts from across the agency.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — Whoever named the genus to which ragweed plants belong “ambrosia” had a terrific sense of irony. The name, derived from Greek, refers to the food of the gods, but the plant is more like punishment from the gods, considering that it’s the main culprit in seasonal allergies.

(THE NEWS: Allergy season to last longer this year. For the full story, click here)

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — The main trade group representing branded drug makers gave an award to two Merck scientists who helped discover an oral medication for Type 2 diabetes.

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. — Abbott Diagnostics on Friday announced its filing of a submission for clearance by the Food and Drug Administration for a fully automated vitamin D assay performed on its Architect testing system for use by healthcare professionals.

"Increasing interest in vitamin D is fueling a surge in orders for tests as more healthcare professionals and consumers become aware of the rising prevalence of vitamin D deficiencies in otherwise healthy people and the potential health risks," stated Sudarshan Hebbar, senior medical director of Abbott Diagnostics.

SLOUGH, England — Reckitt Benckiser on Thursday announced the retirement of Bart Becht as CEO, effective Sept. 1. Becht will be succeeded by Rakesh Kapoor, a 25-year RB veteran and current EVP global category development.

Becht will serve as a part-time adviser through September 2012, the company added.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Despite a difficult economy and rising health costs, the benefits of an integrated pharmacy service were evident as CVS Caremark helped its pharmacy benefit manager clients — employers, health plans and third-party administrators — manage pharmacy costs, according to the company's annual "Insights Report."

WASHINGTON — The congressional Dietary Supplement Caucus held its first briefing for the 112th Congress April 6 to a capacity crowd of 60 House and Senate staffers, the caucus announced Thursday.

The DSC recently was relaunched for the 112th Congress. The caucus serves as a bipartisan, bicameral group of members to facilitate discussions among lawmakers about the benefits of dietary supplements, provide tips and insights for better health and wellness, and promote research into the healthcare savings provided by dietary supplements.