Healthy Business 2011

Among the crowded ranks of healthy food trends -- quinoa, farm-to-table, whole whole grains — one food category is growing into a genuine, industry juggernaut: gluten-free.

Health care is an emotional subject for many Americans — and often one of extremes.  Yet, as we obssess about the system's structure and cost, we neglect our own health. Obesity and high blood pressure are more common, while exercise and diet are overlooked.  Our special report, "Healthy Business", explores these issues.

The Centers for Disease Control considers obesity in America an epidemic; more than one out of three adults and 17 percent of all children are technically overweight to the point of obesity.

The Centers for Disease Control considers obesity in America an epidemic; more than one out of three adults and 17 percent of all children are technically overweight to the point of obesity.

More and more American women  are seeking infertility treatment to increase their chances of having a child, but there's been no change in success rates and costs remain high, even with health insurance coverage.

Health-conscious U.S. consumers  are buying hundreds of millions of dollars of so-called superfruits annually, even as critics contend their nutritional benefits are overblown and, in some cases, nonexistent.

Expected government cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, the uncertainty of health care reform and looming patent expirations are weighing heavily on the outlook of the biggest companies in the sector: large-cap pharmaceutical stocks.

The government is making an increasing number of expensive life-saving or life extending drugs and devices available to more people, but is that the right thing to do and can we afford it, anyway?

Manufacturers are delivering an ever growing roster of exercise games and interactive fitness technology to health clubs, YMCAs, park, recreation centers and even schools.

While some believe government intervention in health-care reform is the only way forward, there are already health-care organizations around the country that can deliver better quality care at a lower cost.

Just because you're busy running a company, doesn't mean you have to run yourself into the ground.  Get proactive—and we don't mean travel more.  See a doctor to learn  whether high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes and other serious diseases may be waiting down the road.

Sun protection products are one of the most important over-the-counter, consumer health products,  yet despite the rising rate of skin cancers many people don't know what to buy.