It's bad enough that you lose your sense of smell when you get a cold, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says that a popular homeopathic remedy might leave without olfactory abilities long after your sniffles stop. And to add more bad news to an already dour economic outlook, if you're looking for a job, you might want to give up the smokes, as at least one company--a large insurer--is requiring that new employees kick the habit. This week's popular links have my mind racing, especially the final one. Read on for more info, and share your thoughts on the week's top headlines. Humana: We won't hire smokers "Humana of Ohio will require all new employees who smoke to quit the habit. The insurer, which employs more than 1,200 people at its new headquarters in Walnut Hills and hundreds more at a distribution center in West Chester, said Monday it would give all new employees a questionnaire. If the workers use tobacco, they will have 31 days to enroll in a program called Breathe." Should smokers be required to quit or risk losing a job? The story is hazy on details, but do you think not hiring smokers is a fair practice? From Cincinnati.com Healthy Salad Dressings "Spice up a boring salad without adding tons of calories using these healthy salad dressings." How do you top your salads? Do you reach for a bottle or make your own? (Personally, I'm keen on salsa, guacamole, hummus or light sour cream with fresh herbs!) From Fitness Magazine F.D.A. Warns Against Use of Popular Cold Remedy "Federal drug regulators warned consumers to stop using Zicam, a popular homeopathic cold remedy, because it could damage or destroy their sense of smell." Have you used Zicam? Did it affect your sense of smell? From the NY Times How-To: Heal Cracked Heels "Warm Summer weather inspires many of us to wear flip-flops and walk barefoot. When your feet are exposed to air, it can cause dry skin on your feet, which will create calluses. The pressure of pounding your feet on the ground when you run can then lead to heel fissures, or cracks in the skin. They most often occur on your heels, but you can get them anywhere you have extremely dry skin." Do you suffer from dry skin during summer? It's tough, because sunscreen isn't the most moisturizing of products, and who wants to apply thick lotion when you're hot and sweaty? How do keep dry heels at bay? From FitSugar Daily Dose: True Confessions Women's Day Health Editor Barbara Brody says: "Whenever I meet someone new and tell them that I’m a health editor, one of the first things they want to know is whether I follow my own advice for healthy living. The answer is that I try, and I think I do a decent job about 75% of the time. Here’s the truth about what I practice and what I just preach."" Do you practice what you preach? From Women's Day How fast R U? Teen Iowa girl wins US texting title "The nation's newest texting champion has a message for parents across the land — although they might not want to hear it. "Let your kid text during dinner! Let your kid text during school! It pays off," 15-year-old Kate Moore said Tuesday after winning the LG U.S. National Texting Championship." Her thumbs will be aching soon enough. What do you think: Should we reward fast texters? Do you let your kids text any time they want? From Yahoo! News Lower Your Blood Pressure with Your Breath "A breathing technique used in yoga can lower your blood pressure, a study in Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback reports. After subjects practiced alternate-nostril breathing for four rounds of seven and a half minutes, their systolic and diastolic blood pressure dropped one point each¯a significant dip from such a simple activity, researchers say." Hmm, that sounds familiar. I just blogged about that! Has it worked for you? From Women's Health Money-Saving Meals: Healthy, Low-Cost Dinner Recipes "Eating healthy on a tight budget is easy with these expert money-saving tips for grocery shopping and low-cost meals. The number-one piece of advice: Plan your dinners in advance. It's easy with these healthy, budget-friendly dinner recipes." What is your favorite money-saving dinner recipe? From Fitness Operation Beautiful From blogger Caitlin: "One of my biggest personal crusades is ending Fat Talk. If my little blog only does one productive thing, I hope it helps readers realize how truly toxic fat talk is -- it hurts you emotionally, spiritually, and physically. I want to reach as many people as possible with my End the Fat Talk message. I've begun leaving positive messages on the mirrors of public restrooms -- at work, at the gym, at the grocery store. I scribble down whatever comes to mind -- "You are beautiful!" or "You are amazing just the way you are!"" Are you guilty of "Fat Talk"? Will you participate in Operation Beautiful? From Healthy Tipping Point  You will earn 5 SparkPoints
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Think about it, if they can fire you for smoking then what next? fire you for being overweight, fire you for participating in "dangerous" activities like racing, sky diving, getting speeding tickets, when would it end?
Of course this is no surprise that this is an insurance company doing this. However, really, I must confess....I know a lot of people who "used" to and "do currently" smoke. I have not heard any of them say they are glad they did or do. It would be one thing wanting their employees to be healthy, but I think this is clearly $$$$ driven.
Regarding the girl who won a texting prize, she probably will be having carpal tunnel surgery in her future. Sometimes texting is brief and convenient. But come on!! We are becoming a nation who spends so much time on the computers and cells that we are losing valuable "face-to-face" life moments. Just like I love computers, but really, email has killed the hand written letters...... which could be keepsakes for a lifetime. I have a brother who died and I have letters from him. If we had corresponded via email....those would have been lost forever. Report
I guess I don't think it should be required to be a non-smoker... but depending on the nature of the job. For instance, if you are paid by the hour, I guess it's your given right to smoke on your breaks. However, my dad would comment how the smokers at his work, paid on salary would take break after break to smoke while others weren't allowed. My dad joked that he thought about starting smoking just so he could take all that time out and get breaks too. In a situation like that, then yes, I think they have a right to tell you that you can't smoke. Report
It always a "slippery slope" when we get used to the government taking on the role of parents to its citizens. Report
I agree that smoking in public is unhealthy for others but where will it stop. Why not just make it illegal to sell them? because the state makes alot of money off the tax? Report
Humana - Is this the new discrimination? Although, it's a good idea. However, everyone has to come to that decision on their own, just like losing weight, it won't happen until you decide top do it. Report
I like having tasty yet healthy choices for my salads and as marinates for my meats. What with wearing flip-flops and sandals I like having inexpensive ways of keeping my feet pretty. And finally, anything that will help me get off of blood pressure meds is great!
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I do have an opinion about employers and health care...If you'd like to see my story, look at the post #369 on the blog about weight requirements for police officers.
My employers denied me the right to make a living when they weeded me out because of the financial burden my cancer diagnosis placed on their benefits packages.
I am 100% against discrimination for any reason in the workplace. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was an otherwise healthy non-smoking PRODUCTIVE employee. I was not sick nor could you see or predict my disease. The cancer was detected through a series of tests FOLLOWING my personal breast check where I noticed a small growth under my breast tissue.
When an employer can predict BOTH the disease AND the outcome of the employees' illnesses and/or potential/future diseases, then they may have some basis fo these decisions. As it stands, the employer simply cannot hire ANYONE and know what their health challenges may be.
The bigger issue is the GREED of the employers, insurance companies, the drug companies, and the medical malpractice explosion in the legal community.
When everyone gets back to reality and we truly treat others as we would like to be treated, employers can go back to business of making America strong again.
The healthcare crisis has caused a ripple effect over this country that cannot be measured in health care costs alone. I once paid TAXES on a substantial executive annual income. Now I'm unable to get or keep a position because of my PAST health issues. Once it is part of your history, you can never escape it.
Everyone needs to take a stand NOW! You never know what's ahead and it can definitely impact your future and your ability to support yourself and your family.
If I were a smoker, I could and would quit. I am a cancer survivor and I cannot escape the employement discrimination. (For those who would say it is illegal to discriminate, I can assure you that once you are an employee and participate in your employer's health "benefits", you will be marked for elimination. They will reassign you, demean you, fire your bosses and replace them with "hatchets", and even pay you off so you will go away. There are many, many cancer survivors who have been through the same things I have. Even if you don't tell anyone that you've had cancer, it will become an issue regardless of your job performance.)
My life is good today, but I am bankrupt (we haven't "filed bankruptcy"...we simply life from day to day and have medical bills that cannot be paid in my lifetime) and it is doubtful that I'll ever be able to handle the stress of working outside my home again.
It is a disgrace to America that we allow our inability to fix healthcare to cost American workers the ability to work and earn a living.
The executives in charge of these corporations are not affected by their decisions...they still exchange fine cigars as gifts and make sure that their perks and incentives keep them from ever having to deal with these issues. Report
As for the cracked heels remedies, the best method I have found is to put a thick coating of a good moisturizer on and cover my feet with cotton socks before bedtime. The moisturizer really soaks in overnight. Odd as it may sound, VO5 (hair dressing) is pretty good for this. Then when I get up in the morning, I rub in more moisturizer as soon as I get up and then put on socks and shoes. Rubbing shea butter into your feet after showers and baths helps the process, too. I think the main thing is that you have to be consistent and work at it throughout the day as much as possible.
Salad dressings: I use low-fat or fat-free dressings at the suggestion of my doctor. I frequently make my fat-free or low-fat dressings at home, but I also use the commercial varieties.
As for Humana's policy of asking new hires to partcipate in a smoking cessation program within 31 days of employment - I don't have a problem with that and I think it's healthy. The fact that it is mandatory bothers me, though. I mean, do they also ask people on their applications if they ever drink alcohol? If the answer is "yes" do they MANDATE that the person go to into a alcohol treatment program within 30 days or lose their jobs? Do they ask potential employees if they are diabetic and still eat candy bars? If the answer is "yes" is there a "candy bar eating cessation" program they are required to attend or risk losing their jobs?
In no way would I approve of discriminating against smokers in the hiring process, or awarding promotions to non-smokers over their smoking counterparts - or any disciplinary action being taken against smokers who submit to the cessation program but are not successful in quitting for good. If a person drinks alcohol, but does not do so on the job that is considered their business. But if a person smokes, but does not do so on company time, they're targeted for dismissal?
Quite frankly, I'm getting a little tired of smokers being blamed for all the health woes of this country. Every time you turn around there is a new tax on tobacco products, the proceeds from which are supposed to be earmarked for paying for health care. Obesity is just as large a risk for cardiovascular disease as smoking is - and is a risk factor for diabetes. Excessive use of alcohol is a risk factor for kidney disease. So, why are smokers singled out?
In a society where drunk drivers avoid responsibility for their actions by hiring an attorney to plea down the charge to a muffler violation, I find it quite ironic that smokers are being targeted as the bad guys! I understand non-smokers not wanting to be exposed to second hand smoke, but this thing has gotten entirely out of hand. It's one thing to prohibit smoking in public places, or for employers to prohibit smoking on their premises, but threatinging a person's ability to make a living because they have an unhealthy habit that they do not participate in during working hours is ludicrous.
How about cracking down on the people who are taking part in ILLEGAL activities before further persecuting smokers? Report
As far as texting goes - family dinner time should be just that. There may be a time and a place for texting - but there are times when it is inapropriate. And when you are rudely ignoring those you are with to text someone not there continuously - it is inapropriate. Report
1/3 c rice vinegar
juice of one lime
1 packet calorie free sweetener
dash cayenne pepper
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There are federal laws in the USA protecting the rights of smokers. (Good thing too for the abuse they are taking on this page. being named as less than other humans or being called "society's pariahs.") There is NO strong evidence that smokers have higher health costs. That is a slanted statistic that had escaped reality several years ago.
I strongly disagree with Tarotgarden's statement that smokers are less productive and miss more days of work then non-smokers. Anyone can say "studies prove" but studies are done by humans for a specific purpose. How many companies hire a team of researchers to prove that smoking improves productivity? You get the answers you pay for. Producitivity is more an issue of individual personality traits than a generic grouping of a people.
The place of my employment 25% are smokers. That 25% has a better record than the remaining 75%. Employees who smoked totaled the fewest missed days; employees with small children missed the most, followed by employees who drank. The studied conducted by our company under the guide of a national trade organization was more than informative, it was enlightening. Report
And it is a slippery slope.
Clearly, given their approach, one who is overweight or underweight should not be hired.
One with a family history of cancer, or diabetes, or heart disease, obviously has greater risk of costing their health plans.
And those with children will cost more in the family plan, so no one that hasn't been sterilized (31 days to get it done, of course) . . .
Where will this go if not stopped here and now.
It's easy to take on the smokers: society's pariahs. But it is how we treat the least of our brothers and sisters that counts (according to Christ).
And, no, I am not a smoker. But I do believe in the right to make choices: even if the choice one makes is dumb! Report
Last week those who had not quit were told to quit or pay the retroactive higher premium balance and the new premium to the tune of $600 additional by the end of the year they are not happy but some are qutting.
There is actually a breatalizer type handheld that you can blow in and it tells you how many pack a day smoker you are. Report
This one has really touched me. My self talk has always been the worst. I am my own worst critic. Thank you for bringing this blog to our attention. I am on board with Operation Beautiful !!! Report
Don, Co-Leader of All Health Professionals, Binghamton Area Losers and Laid Off But Staying Strong SparkTeams Report
My pedicurist always tells me to just put petroleum jelly on my heels - I have some Israeli foot lotion that's good, the petroleum jelly leaves stains on the sheets. (I hate sleeping with sox.) Report
1. I don't smoke & have never smoked. It's a nasty habit.
2. I resent second hand smoke. I could never kiss or even be around a smoker.
3. Smoking drives everyone's health insurance costs higher.
4. All of that said to say, I hope the lawyers are lining up to sue them all the way to Chapter 7, and I hope they permanently go out of business. I hope the former employees organize and go in business for themselves, manufacturing the same product. Report
I don't think it is right to discriminate against smokers. There are other means, e.g. hospitals do not allow smoking on their grounds.
When children are young, I think they do learn from their parents eating patterns. As they grow and their tastes change, some will develop their own diet and others may stick with what they know. I do believe though that they diet we prepare for our young children is extremely important and should be healthy and varied.
Kath Report
No. The only criteria should be can the person do the job. I have noticed lately that several corporations, including Humana have decided that they are going to be the “nanny” of their employees and police their actions. I don’t agree with that. It is a form of bias. Well said VICIOUS421, MIMSICALITY and STRICTLYSECRET!!!
As for the other articles, very interesting info. Report
Someone commented on being fired from a coffee shop because they were a smoker. Often the workers in donut shops here are young enough that they are breaking the law if they buy smokes, I am sure it is OK to be discriminated against if you openly break the law. Ummmmm. Report
If it wasn't for that company not wanting smokers, I'm sure my husband would still be smoking, even after losing his mom to it. Report
I don't use Zicam, because every study report I've read shows no evidence that it works.
My heels are a mess. I'll try anything. I do find that using a simple sanding sponge from the hardware store helps.
I don't think I could ever move my family away from the TV at dinner. Sorry!
Texting is WAY ANNOYING! Which, of course, is half of its appeal. That girl needs the prize money to support her habit.
I find it hard to believe a recipe with expensive ingredients like feta cheese, shrimp, and grape tomatoes will save me money. Maybe as compared to eating in a restaurant. They do look good, though. Bookmark.
Fat talk. Ugh. One thing I love about my TOPS group is the encouragement we give each other. You see gals wearing bright, happy colors to meetings, and that helps.
As for not hiring smokers, well, although I don't like the idea of a blanket policy against smokers, I really fear laws protecting smokers as a class. Smoking is a habit, it's unhealthy, and it can be stopped. It does not entitle you to protection as a persecuted minority. Get real!
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