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We discussed earlier this week how smokers can better quit the smoking habit if they feel they’re helping their pet’s health.  A new study has been released that states smokers can more easily stop smoking if there are financial incentives.

The study confirms that smokers quit smoking if there is a money prize for their arduous task, especially if is $750 or more.  Research suggests that these smokers are three times as likely to quit and not go back to the old habit.

Study author, Kevin Volpp states, “People are drawn to tangible things.”

“It makes it easier for you to do in the short term what you know is in your long-term best interest.”

What do you think?  If you get $750 to spend as you see it, would you quit smoking and keep it that way?

Tags: incentives, Kevin Volpp, Smoking, smoking study

It’s almost an age-old question.  Do multivitamins actually measure up?  Doing the daily ritual might make you feel better and give you a sense of health empowerment, but a recent study is questioning their effects.

About half of America pops a multivitamin or dietary supplement on a daily basis, which is why this is a $20 billion-per-year market.  According to the authors of a study released Tuesday, taking these daily supplements may not prevent anything.

The study focused on 162,000 post-menopausal women.  Four out of 10 of those women stated they took multivitamins on a daily basis.  At the end of the eight year study, the vitamin users were just as likely to have died or been diagnosed with common cancers or ailments,  or to have suffered heart-related maladies.

How does this affect your vitamin dosing?

Tags: dietary supplements, health study, multivitamins, News

After a long day on your feet at work, it’s time to go home to a relaxing foot massager.

Your new best friend, the Medi-Points Foot Massager, offers professional acupressure stimulation in the comfort of your own home. 

Designed by physicians, this elite foot massager will have you feeling pampered and at ease in 10 minutes flat.  Cost, $129.95.

Tags: health gadgets, Medi-Points Foot Massager

According to a study, smokers who have pets are more likely to quit the habit, for their pet’s sake.

In early 2007, Detroit’s Henry Ford Hospital began a study with smokers who had household pets.  The study involved almost a hundred people over the course of three years.

Results of the study are showing that a smoker’s perception of secondhand smoke on their pet would make them more likely to break the smoking habit.  Results were higher if the individual had a dog, cat or bird rather than other household pets like snakes and rabbits.

How does this make you feel if you’re a smoker with pets?

Tags: health, household pets, News, quitting the habit, Smoking

There is no better and more manageable way to work off the calories than walking, and one you’re walking path becomes easier, it may be time to add leg weighs.

Adding leg weights to any workout increases the amount of calories you burn as well as working your core and legs. 

These Anatomical Leg Weights by Gaiam are perfect for walking or your favorite cardio workout.  Unlike the bulky leg weights that sit at your ankles, these weights attach at both your ankle and calf, making the weight more comfortable and challenging.  Cost, $80 per pair.

Tags: Anatomical Leg Weights, Fitness, gaiam, health, workout gadgets

Effective Monday, Boston pharmacies no longer sold cigarettes in their stores.  A new rule from Boston’s Public Health Commission states that cigarettes can no longer be sold in pharmacies or on college campuses.

Currently only 11 smoking bars remain open in the almost smokeless city, with about a half dozen of those being hookah bars.  One of the newly instated rules passed two months ago states that all smoking bars will be forced to close within 10 years if they are still allowing smoking in working environments.

Tags: bans smoking, bars, boston, college campuses, pharmacies

Paddle your way to fitness with this new and really quite exciting Transparent Kayak.

Available for $1,600 from Hammacher Schlemmer, this kayak allows you to see everything going on below you, which would be amazing, minus the hungry shark trailing you.

Get your arms and legs in shape with this revolutionary kayak made from a transparent polymer that will bring you peace through beautiful underwater wildlife and waterscapes.  I think a Mexico trip is in  order now.

Tags: fitness gadgets, Hammacher Schlemmer, transparent kayak

Every day employers are letting people go and that means no money coming into thousands of households as well as scrimping on health care.

If you find yourself without health insurance, here are some good tips to take care of yourself and your family’s health.

1. If your spouse is on a separate health insurance plan, act quickly in order to get on the plan with them.
2. Ask about your COBRA rights, with limited exceptions you can continue to pay for your coverage, though in full, for 18 months.
3. Many non-group plans can actually be affordable, so take some time to research your options.
4. Look into Medicaid and SCHIP.  Also, many community clinics are now available to cater to your health needs at a lower cost.
5. When you do have to reach into your own pocket to pay for medical expenses, try negotiating your bill with doctors and hospital staff.  You will be surprised how much you can save this way.

Tags: cobra, community health, health insurance tips, medicaid, schip

Everywhere else in America besides Virginia, the flu season is starting off slow this year.  Virginia is the first state to report an outbreak of the flu, leading the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to report that while despite the slow start, the 2009 flu season might spread rapidly now.

Anthony Fiore, a CDC epidemiologist, stated, “We could really get slammed in two weeks.”

When asked if we might skip a widespread epidemic this year, Fiore said, “Oh, no, it’ll get here.”

Time to get those flu shots, America.

Tags: flu season

When you get a deep cut or wound it’s always best to administer first aid as soon as possible to avoid infection.

The first thing you need to do is stay calm and make your way to the closest first aid kit.  Next, be sure to hold a clean cloth against the wound, applying pressure, while at the same time being sure you are holding the injured area above your heart.

If your cloth or bandage becomes soaked, leave the first one there and apply a fresh one just on top.  Nest, gently rinse the cut with water, no soap or antiseptics. 

If the wound continues to bleed after five minutes, it might be time to seek professional medical attention.

Tags: caring for deep wounds, cuts, Health Tips