I agree that the reward for healthy behavior is better health, but as already mentioned, not everyone has the capacity to do something now for a vague reward in the distant future. Small rewards can be just the incentive some people need to get started.

Here’s a non-health example: my city recently decided to increase residents’ level of recycling by instituting a pay-as-you-throw program, requiring residents to buy ridiculously expensive ($2 apiece) flimsy plastic bags for their trash. Trash not in the special bags won’t be picked up. The program had the desired effect on recycling, which increased greatly, but the level of resentment is so high that an initiative petition to eliminate the program will be on the ballot next election.

Meanwhile, a neighboring city that also wanted to increase recycling used a different tactic: instead of “punishing” residents for not recycling by charging for trash pickup, they hired a company that offers rewards (in the form of gift coupons for stores like CVS) based on the number of pounds of material residents put in their recycle bins. The program has induced many residents who previously refused to separate recyclables to start, and not only hasn’t created resentment but is actually very popular.

The consequences of neglecting our health is the punishment of poor health.

Very true. However, many people do not seem to think long term, so long term good versus poor health may not be as much of an incentive compared to more immediate incentives, whatever they may be.

Hey, docs, heal thyself. Patients would be must more accountable with their own health, it you stood by your own treatments.

but how will we track people to make sure they’ve really stopped smoking?