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Should retail pharmacists tell their patients to eat a good breakfast?

A mountain of data showing the health benefits of a good breakfast — one that includes high-fiber foods like cereals and grains — point to an unequivocal answer: absolutely.
Studies have proven that eating breakfast is closely linked to healthy body weights, improved mental alertness and physical performance. Plus, people who skip breakfast don’t make up for the missed nutrients later in the day.

MINNEAPOLIS — A location-based retail app now is available for Target shoppers in select markets.

JERUSALEM — An investigative treatment for allergies made by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries appears to work, according to results of a late-stage clinical trial released Monday.

Teva said phase-3 data from a study of Qnaze HFA (beclomethasone dipropionate), designed to be inhaled through the nose, was effective in treating patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis, while safety results were similar to those for placebo. Data from the study were presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology in Phoenix.

DALLAS — Advanced Beauty Systems has announced Texas-based advertising agency Slingshot as its advertising agency of record. Slingshot will work with Advanced Beauty Systems to develop print, broadcast and digital campaigns for its bodycology, Dr. Teal's and Cantu Shea Butter brands.

Slingshot will provide strategic planning, creative conception, media planning and brand positioning for all three brands. Ad campaigns are slated to run in first quarter 2011, coinciding with the launch of bodycology's new Rich & Creamy body lotion.

Consumers may be cutting their budgets, but when it comes to toys, there’s always room for a little splurge. Parents are more likely to cave when the toy offers educational value or is a classic.

Traditional toys are a mainstay of the category—particularly in the drug channel, where price points in the toy aisle rarely top $10. “Evergreen, classic games continue to be popular,” said Adrienne Appell, a spokeswoman for the Toy Industry Association. “They are affordable and have appeal across generations, particularly around the holidays.”

ST. LOUIS — It was announced in October that Energizer Holdings emerged as the winning bidder for American Safety Razor in bankruptcy court proceedings, inking a deal to buy substantially all of ASR’s assets. To top it off, Energizer earlier this year won—ironically from ASR—the entry price point/disposable wet-shaving business at Walmart. In light of these developments, at least one industry observer believed that Energizer is poised for significant growth opportunities.

MORRISTOWN, N.J. — On Tuesday, Lifetime Television’s program “The Balancing Act” will feature an appearance from Sarita Thapar, director of medical affairs for Actavis, to discuss the benefits of the company’s pediatric suppository FeverAll, Actavis announced last week.

NEW YORK — A ghost from 2008 soon could come back to haunt 2010.

According to published reports, the Food and Drug Administration may be considering adopting tougher standards for certain classes of generic drugs if it determines that some are not equivalent to their branded counterparts.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Humana and Wal-Mart Stores on Monday announced that Mary Lee Reinscheld became the first Medicare beneficiary to sign up for the new Humana Walmart-Preferred Rx Plan at one of the Humana informational kiosks available in approximately 3,000 Walmart stores nationwide.

Reinscheld signed her Humana application at Walmart store No. 1170 here as the annual enrollment period for Medicare beneficiaries, including seniors and people with disabilities, got under way.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The drumbeat in support of an expanded universally recognized role for pharmacists in helping patients successfully manage their drug therapy is getting steadily louder.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The natural affinity that has sprung up between independent pharmacy and the generic drug industry — both viewed as underdogs in the relentless fight for market position and profits: one versus powerful chain and big-box retailers, the other versus the far more entrenched and well-funded branded drug industry — was never more fully realized than it was at the end of October, when the National Community Pharmacists Association introduced its new top manager to its members at the group’s annual meeting.

NEW YORK — Look for a big surge in brand-to-generic drug switches at the pharmacy counter over the next year.