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PITTSBURGH — GNC on Tuesday extended its Preventive Nutrition brand to help supplement a number of conditions, including eye health, liver health and digestive health.  

WASHINGTON — As many as 7-in-10 U.S. adults track a health indicator for themselves or for a loved one, according to a Pew Research Center study released Monday. 

WASHINGTON — A new report gives low marks to the United States in the health of its citizens, finding that Americans have higher rates of injury and disease and die sooner than their counterparts in other developed countries.

LONDON — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new biotech drug from GlaxoSmithKline for anthrax, the drug maker said.

GSK announced the approval of raxibacumab for adults and children who have inhaled Bacillus anthracis. The drug is designed for combination with antibiotics and for preventing inhalational anthrax when alternative therapies aren't available. The drug is the result of a project that Human Genome Sciences, now owned by GSK, began working on in 2001 in response to terrorist anthrax attacks in the United States.

Another factor greasing the skids for health system/retail pharmacy/clinic alliances is a clear shift in cultural and societal attitudes. The nation appears to be ready for the integration of retail pharmacies and walk-in ambulatory care centers with hospitals, and the use of those community-based outlets as initial points of contact with health professionals for many health concerns and conditions. 


WASHINGTON — The Department of Health and Human Services last week unveiled a new free Web-based application, MappyHealth, which utilizes Twitter to help track health concerns at the community level in real time.

While SoloHealth is placing advanced healthcare technology in stores, Ford Motor Co. recently announced that it is introducing healthcare technology into cars with IMS Health’s Allergy Alert app, now compatible with Ford SYNC AppLink. The in-dash access to the Allergy Alert app gives drivers a safe way to check the potential for scratchy eyes, sore throats and runny noses while on the go.


SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new weight-loss drug made by Vivus, the agency said.

The FDA announced the approval of Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate) extended-release, designed for use by overweight and obese adults alongside a reduced-calorie diet and exercise for chronic weight management. The drug's original brand name was Qnexa.

WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition on Thursday issued a response to a Preventive Services Task Force draft recommendation around the ineffectiveness of vitamin D and calcium to prevent cancer or fractures. The draft guidance also suggested vitamin D and calcium could equate to a greater risk of kidney stones in older women.

ATLANTA — Asthma is having a growing effect on the country's health, according to a new study.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released its "Asthma's Impact on the Nation" report Wednesday, based on data gathered using the "Asthma Call-back Survey" of people with the disease. An estimated 29.1 million American adults, or 12.7% of the total, have been diagnosed with asthma in their lifetimes, while 18.7 million, or 8.2%, still had asthma in 2010.

PITTSBURGH — Bayer on Friday announced that it is providing monetary support for disaster relief efforts through a $25,000 donation from the Bayer USA Foundation to the American Red Cross of southwestern Indiana. The state of Indiana was among several states affected by tornadoes on March 2, which caused extensive damage to rural communities such as Henryville, Clarksville and Newburgh.