Feeling fit: preventing illness and improving quality.

Throughout the current American health care system, the use of modern medical technology and medications to treat illness are highlighted, with relatively little attention focused on health education. The Feeling Fit program at Independent Health is a step toward a managed care model that integrates treatment with teaching. The author discusses the principles of Feeling Fit and how they have been successfully adapted for off-site programs.

Use and effectiveness of transdermal nicotine in primary care settings.

Objective: To assess the use and effectiveness of transdermal nicotine patches by smokers receiving care in primary care settings.

Design: Telephone survey of a convenience sample of patients.

Setting: Primary care settings in western New York.

Impact of a community-wide stop smoking contest.

Abstract This paper presents the results of a follow-up evaluation conducted to assess the impact of a community-wide stop smoking contest conducted in Buffalo, New York in January 1988. The contest challenged smokers to make a pledge to quit jar 30 days to have a chance to win $1,000 cash, a vacation trip, or other prizes. Finalists were randomly selected and chemically tested to verify abstinence.