HEALTH

HUNTINGTON, N.Y. — Rep. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., plans to introduce new legislation soon to make medicine cups and other dosage devices commonly used to give medicine to children safer, the Congress leader recently announced. However, the need for such a bill may be moot as the over-the-counter industry already is actively initiating guidelines to standardize dosing directions and units of measuring that dose.

DALLAS — Aspirinpod recently launched its Aspirinpod emergency aspirin container — a small heart-shaped container that can be carried on a key chain.

Aspirinpod is a reminder to have aspirin with you at all times in the event of a heart attack, noted company founder Patti Frenette.

The small container, which does not include the aspirin, is large enough for two 325-mg tablets or four 81-mg tablets. Suggested retail price is $2.99.

AKRON, Ohio — Hygenic/Performance Health, makers of Perform and Biofreeze pain relievers, donated Perform pain reliever product samples and coupons in support of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society 2011 Run to Stop MS, MS Walks and MS Bike events.

NEW YORK — Ansell Healthcare Products on Monday announced a relaunch of its core line of LifeStyles condoms in partnership with strategic brand consultant CBX and released a new Signature Series of premium condom products.

The new LifeStyles condoms encapsulate a brand-centric approach while establishing a consumer-driven position that better reflects a more confident and contemporary masculine style.

WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition on Thursday announced the addition of three new members to the association’s roster: voting member Joint Juice and associate members Jacobs Compliance Services and Nicholas Hall & Co.

Joint Juice, headquartered in San Francisco, offers three delivery forms of its glucosamine and chondroitin products, including a drink mix, a supplement drink and an easy shot.

Jacobs Compliance Services is a food industry consulting firm that provides industry stakeholders with insight on regulatory affairs.

PRINCETON, N.J. — A new oral treatment for Type 2 diabetes hit the shelves Friday.

Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca announced the availability of Kombiglyze XR (saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride), which the companies called the only once-daily treatment for diabetes that combined metformin with a DPP-4 inhibitor, the drug class to which saxagliptin belongs.

The drug is designed for use alongside diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with Type 2 diabetes.

LAS VEGAS — Walgreens’ increasing use of mobile technology platforms is transforming the way the company reaches patients and is expanding its ability to deliver health services via smart phones and other devices, a Walgreens official asserted Friday.

Speaking at the opening of the Consumer Electronics Show’s Digital Health Summit this morning, Walgreens chief medical officer Cheryl Pegus laid out the ways the health services and retail pharmacy giant is leveraging technology to make personal health management easier for patients.

BALTIMORE — Ilex Consumer Products Group on Thursday acquired the St. Joseph brand from McNeil-PPC, the company announced.

Ilex’s current brand portfolio includes Calgon and the Healing Garden.