HEALTH

OAKLAND, Calif. — Carex has introduced its Ultra Grip bath suction handle, the brand's first and only product with suction power.

Featuring dual-locking suction cups, the Ultra Grip bath suction handle holds tightly to any flat, smooth and nonporous surface. It also features indicators that change from red to green when the bar has been properly fastened.

Carex's new product will be available at select retailers next month, including Target, H-E-B, Fred Meyer and Shopko, for a suggested retail price of $14.99.

OAK BROOK, Ill. — Almost all women take on at least one preventive health-and-wellness measure in the morning to start their day, but only half apply lip balm to protect their lips from dryness and sun damage.

In Blistex's grooming routine survey, the lip care brand found that even though 91% of women perform at least one measure that boosts their health and wellness (e.g., taking a vitamin, exercising and applying an anti-aging facial product), their lips often are abandoned, which could put them at risk for infection, Blistex said.

WASHINGTON — The Natural Products Association has named the winners of its 18th annual NPA Awards, which will be presented this June during the association's annual trade show and convention.

The 2011 NPA Awards recipients are:

• President's Award: David Seckman, former executive director and CEO for NPA;

• Burton Kallman Scientific Award: Anthony Almada, who co-founded such companies as Experimental and Applied Sciences, ImagiNutrition and Fein Innovations;

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., and DEERFIELD, Ill. — The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists has teamed up with drug maker Takeda to develop an online resource that will be reviewed and evaluated by top medical experts.

AACE and Takeda will offer a compendium of existing reliable resources specific to Type 2 diabetes, divided into various categories (e.g., management, lifestyle and tools) and reviewed by experts to help healthcare professionals guide their patients and caregivers as they attempt to cut through the clutter of the many resources available.

CARSON CITY, Nev. — Forward Foods, a nutrition bar company, is making a foray into the beverage market.

The company is boosting its Detour brand by the Detour lean muscle high-protein shake to its existing line of Detour protein bars. The shake, the company said, is fortified with 26 vitamins and minerals, provides 1,000 mg of omega-3 and will be available in milk chocolate and vanilla bean flavors.

The Detour lean muscle high-protein shakes will be available next month in health and fitness retailers and GNC stores nationwide.

BETHESDA, Md. — Most patients that suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease or persistent heartburn symptoms rarely speak with a healthcare provider about their condition, according to a new study conducted on behalf of the American Gastroenterological Association, in partnership with drug maker Takeda.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The annual "wake-up call" that asks the American public to find out if they are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes was held Tuesday.

MELVILLE, N.Y. — Hain Celestial is boosting its market presence with the introduction of more than 50 new and improved products.

The company has expanded its baking brand, Arrowhead Mills, to include an organic sprouted wheat flour and gluten-free baking mixes to address those who suffer from celiac disease. The products also feature update packaging.