Miller reveals how managing her allergy symptoms helps her achieve her current peak performance KENILWORTH, N.J., Aug. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As host city of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, Beijing will introduce thousands of spectators and athletes from around the world to an array of new customs and sights, but many of these visitors may also experience allergy symptoms like sneezing and itchy, watery eyes as they explore this new environment. Shannon Miller, America's most decorated gymnast, is partnering with the non-drowsy allergy medication Claritin to share how managing her current allergy symptoms helps her achieve peak performance. As a seven-time Olympic medalist known for winning the first U.S. gold medal on the balance beam in 1996, Miller is no stranger to facing physical and mental challenges that require her full attention. Over time her allergies have become increasingly severe, and bothersome symptoms like sneezing and itchy, watery eyes interfered with her gymnastics touring and professional speaking engagements. "I am still performing so it is essential for me to be able to focus on the four-inch balance beam without being distracted by my allergies, so I can't risk taking an allergy medication that may make me drowsy," said Miller. "Now I take Claritin because it works hard to provide relief from my worst allergy symptoms all day without making me drowsy. Whether I'm speaking professionally, spotting children at gymnastics clinics, or hosting my own television show, Claritin helps me stay alert and focused so I can perform my best." Miller is one of the estimated 50 million Americans who suffer from allergies. As an allergy sufferer she understands the importance of treating her allergy symptoms with a non-drowsy allergy medication. "It is an honor to have one of America's greatest athletes on the Claritin team," said TJ Higgins, Group Vice President, Marketing, Schering-Plough Consumer Healthcare. "Shannon's experience shows us that when allergy symptoms are treated effectively, they don't have to get in the way of achieving your peak performance." To learn more about treating allergies, visit http://www.claritin.com/. About Shannon Miller Shannon Miller is the most decorated American gymnast in history, having won 7 Olympic and 9 World Championship Medals. She hosts her own weekly show, Gymnastics 360° with Shannon Miller, airing on the Comcast Network. In addition, Shannon Co-Chairs the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness in Florida and continues to promote health and fitness for people of all ages. She continues to perform in exhibitions and now speaks professionally across the nation. About Claritin All Claritin brand products are available without a prescription, including: Claritin Tablets, a once-daily full prescription strength, non-drowsy formulation; Claritin RediTabs Tablets, a novel once-daily formulation in a quickly dissolving tablet for ages 6 and older; Claritin-D 24-hour and 12-hour Extended Release Tablets, with the decongestant pseudoephedrine Now Located Behind The Counter; Children's Claritin Syrup, a liquid formulation for children ages 2 and older in grape and fruit flavors; CHILDREN'S Claritin Grape Chewables, a chewable tablet for children ages 2 and older; and Claritin Hives Relief tablets. Claritin is the No. 1 physician-recommended and pediatrician-recommended over-the-counter antihistamine brand for allergic rhinitis. The Claritin Rx-to-OTC switch in 2002 was the largest switch ever--and the first and only for a non-sedating antihistamine. For more information on allergies and treatment, visit http://www.claritin.com/. About Schering-Plough Schering-Plough Consumer Health Care is the U.S. over-the-counter (OTC) and consumer products business unit of Schering-Plough, an innovation-driven, science-centered global health care company. Through its own biopharmaceutical research and collaborations with partners, Schering-Plough creates therapies that help save and improve lives around the world. The company applies its research-and-development platform to human prescription and consumer products as well as to animal health products. Schering-Plough's vision is to "Earn Trust, Every Day" with the doctors, patients, customers and other stakeholders served by its colleagues around the world. The company is based in Kenilworth, N.J., and its Web site is http://www.schering-plough.com/. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) or the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of any country are not affiliated with nor have endorsed or sponsored this announcement. DATASOURCE: Schering-Plough CONTACT: Alex Kelly, +1-908-298-7436 Web Site: http://www.claritin.com/ http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/777050.html http://www.schering-plough.com/

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