Retail Clinics

SAN RAMON, Calif. The Special Interest Group for IIAS Standards announced Wednesday that the group is making significant changes to its Eligible Products List — a list of over-the-counter products eligible for reimbursement under flexible spending accounts — in response to IRS guidance issued earlier this month.

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. Retail clinic operator Take Care Health Systems, which is owned by Walgreens, has opened two new clinics in the Houston area, according to a local news report.

The new clinics bring the total number of Take Care Clinics to 14 in the local market, the article stated.

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. Sanofi-Aventis has tapped actors Paul and Mira Sorvino to launch an awareness program aimed to help people living with diabetes and those who support them.

The "Diabetes Co-Stars" program provides family and friends of diabetics with advice on lifestyle choices, healthy cooking, promoting physical activity and treatment options including insulin, Sanofi-Aventis said. DiabetesCoStars.com provides links to the Sanofi-Aventis diabetes social media pages, including Facebook and Twitter.

MUNDELEIN, Ill. Clinere Products on Tuesday announced the launch of its Clinere ear cleaners, with distribution through Walmart, Kmart, Walgreens, CVS/pharmacy, Meijer, H-E-B and Shopko.

SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass. Kaz, the maker of Vicks, Honeywell and Braun wellness devices, recently launched a new Facebook fan page named Cold and Flu Central, created to help inform families about some of the best defenses against colds and the flu.

The page includes doctor-approved tips, third-party expert advice and links, product giveaways, drug store availability information, discussions and polls.

MAULDIN, S.C. A regional supermarket chain is kicking off two new health-and-wellness initiatives, just in time for the upcoming flu season.

Bi-Lo announced Friday a seasonal flu vaccination program at its pharmacies, as well as a new prescription discount card. The seasonal flu vaccinations will cost $30 and are available at a discounted rate of $27 for customers that present their My Bi-Lo BonusCard, the retailer said.

TAMPA, Fla. Oragenics, a biopharmaceutical company, has announced that its oral care probiotics line, EvoraPlus, will be available at select Fred Meyer stores in September.

"We are pleased that Fred Meyer stores are among the growing number of retailers that have chosen to carry EvoraPlus oral care probiotics," stated Gerry David, EVP sales and marketing for Oragenics. "We are looking forward to the expanded distribution of our oral care probiotics across the northwestern portion of the United States through this relationship."

PLYMOUTH, Minn. A national strategic partnership between the American Diabetes Association and HearPO will provide additional resources to educate people with diabetes, medical practitioners and the general public about the connection between diabetes and hearing loss.