INSIGHTS AND PERSPECTIVES

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — The news that the U.S. Department of Defense has issued a final rule expanding the authorization of retail pharmacies to administer all vaccinations covered under the DOD's preventive care program is important as it further illustrates the critical role that retail pharmacy plays in health care.

SAN DIEGO — Vitamin D deficiency may increase the chance of muscle injuries in elite athletes, specifically NFL football players, suggested a recent study presented last week at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine’s annual meeting.

“Eighty percent of the football team we studied had vitamin D insufficiency. African-American players and players who suffered muscle injuries had significantly lower levels,” stated Michael Shindle, lead researcher and member of Summit Medical Group. 

BERLIN — A new study conducted by Bayer HealthCare suggests that an investigational treatment for acne may be suitable for patients with dark complexions whose acne includes a condition that causes irregular discoloration of the skin known as postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Is this the nutritional Twilight Zone?

Despite the common perception that kids are always reluctant to eat their greens, a new survey by Midwest retailer Meijer found that almost 6-in-10 adults don’t think they’re eating enough fruits and vegetables, while kids seem to be eating enough.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — Size matters, especially if it’s the size of the monthly fuel bill. Just because gas prices haven’t eclipsed $5 as many analysts had feared, doesn’t mean those lower-than-expected prices at the pump aren’t impacting buying and trip decisions, as evidenced by this latest survey. 

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — Walk through Duane Reade’s new flagship store at 40 Wall St., and it is clear to see why this 22,000-sq.-ft. location is important.

(THE NEWS: Duane Reade's new flagship is glimpse of drug store of the future. For the full story, click here.) 

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.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — Fitness and nutrition programs have been core parts of employer-based wellness programs before, including the ones Take Care operates for such employers as Harrah's Casinos. But, by taking an ownership position in the company that provides the fitness offering, Walgreens/Take Care has the opportunity to look for creative ways to bring new wellness-type programs to its stores through its retail clinics, perhaps even as part of a larger weight-loss management program.