HEALTH

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark announced on Thursday that it has been awarded pharmacy benefit management and drug therapy management accreditation from URAC, a healthcare accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the healthcare industry. CVS Caremark previously had received accreditation for PBM and DTM from URAC in 2007.

NEW YORK — The charitable arm of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores held its 12th annual dinner in New York on Tuesday, which generated $1.76 million for research, charitable efforts and scholarships.

The NACDS Foundation said some of the funds were granted to those that sought to improve medication adherence -- understanding medication therapy and appropriately taking medications -- among patients. The foundation awarded a $1 million grant to National Consumer League’s public awareness campaign, which promotes medication adherence.

MILWAUKEE — Carma Labs on Wednesday announced two new limited-edition flavors: Carmex Lime Twist and Carmex Vanilla Click Sticks.

The new flavors will be available beginning in December 2010 for a limited time at special in-store displays exclusively at all Walgreens.

"Customers looking for a new flavor twist on a tried and true favorite will be excited about these two new flavors," stated Paul Woelbing, president of Carma Labs.

The new Lime Twist and Vanilla Click Sticks are rated an SPF of 15 to provide additional protection to the lips.

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. — Derma e Natural Bodycare, a manufacturer of natural skin care products, has announced the continued support of the nonprofit Special Olympics Southern California.

This year, in addition to contributing funds, Derma e supported Ventura County's 2010 Summer Dance that celebrated the completion of its summer games. The company donated skin care products with optimal levels of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and botanicals to help keep the athletes' skin healthy, nourished and protected while they played sports outdoors.

ATLANTA — For the week ended Nov. 20, influenza activity increased slightly across the Southeast while remaining relatively low throughout the rest of the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Tuesday.

A total of 11 states reported no influenza activity for the period, the CDC reported.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Humana's pharmacy benefit management business has been awarded pharmacy benefit management accreditation from a nonprofit healthcare accrediting organization.

Humana Pharmacy Solutions was awarded full pharmacy benefit management accreditation by URAC. URAC standards require companies to demonstrate their commitment to quality and safety.

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Nearly all surveyed patients using BioPlus Specialty Pharmacy’s services over the last six years adhered to their therapies, according to recent statistics.

Quarterly data collected between 2004 and 2010 found that of 17,000 patients analyzed, compliance at the time of discharge was 92%.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble on Wednesday announced the launch of a national TV spot and Web videos starring actor Ken Jeong in support of its stomach remedy Pepto-Bismol.

"Under-indulgent tummies are as dead as a condemned disco club," stated Ken Jeong, an actor known for his roles in "The Hangover," "Knocked Up" and NBC's "Community." "Enjoying your holiday parties includes enjoying various meats and treats. Normal indulging is fine, and if you occasionally overdo it, Pepto has you covered," Jeong added.