A recent study from Kaiser Permanente Southern California showed that adolescent obesity may be connected to asthma depending on a child's racial makeup.

The study, which was published in the medical journal "Obesity," found that being overweight and having asthma was not as closely connected for young people who were African-American. This was notable, as the racial group typically has the most asthma cases. However, the group with the highest connection of asthma and obesity was Hispanics.

Children who have either of these conditions are typically more likely to make visits to the doctor more often than healthy children.

"This research contributes to the growing evidence that there is a relationship between childhood obesity and asthma, and suggests that factors related to race and ethnicity, particularly for Hispanic youth, may modify this relationship," said Dr. Mary Helen Black, of the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Department of Research & Evaluation and lead author of the study.

If a person is at a higher risk of health issues, they may benefit from obtaining the best healthcare plan available. Comparing affordable health insurance rates may find a plan that is both sufficient and inexpensive.

A recent report from Interactive Health Solutions showed that companies that use healthcare wellness programs as a part of their offering typically save significant amounts of money in healthcare costs.

Those companies that used a wellness program witnessed healthcare costs decline by 8.4 percent year-over-year, according to the report. In addition, 81 percent of workers were able to meet or bear their goals for the year. The report examined more than 1 million employees at approximately 1,400 places of work in the past year.

"This is about staying healthy and possibly even saving lives, as well as containing costs," said Joseph O'Brien, president and chief executive officer of IHS. "Performance-based programs are having a positive impact on the employer's bottom line as well as employee health."

If a consumer is not happy with their company's healthcare offering, or they don't have a wellness option, it could be a good plan to look elsewhere for health insurance. By comparing affordable health insurance rates, consumers may find exactly what they need.

A recent report from the Consumer Federation of the Southeast found that more than nine in 10 American Baby Boomers felt that exceptional healthcare services were very important influences to their move for retirement.

While most prioritized healthcare, another three percent noted it was not important to them, according to the survey. The second-most important option was housing, which was noted by 92 percent of respondents. Climate was noted by 85 percent, while taxes were prioritized by 81 percent.

"Already, thousands of Boomers are retiring every day nationwide," said Walter Dartland, president of the Consumer Federation of the Southeast. "According to this survey, substantial numbers are interested in relocating in retirement. The decisions they make about where they will retire will have a huge impact not only on their families’ finances but on the communities to which they move."

Those who are deciding on a new place to live in retirement may want to compare health insurance quotes, in order to get the best plan available in the area. In addition, they may have affordable health insurance rates available.

A study from the Institute for Women's Policy Research showed that creating access to paid sick days for every worker in New York City would cut healthcare costs by close to $40 million each year, as well as more than $28 million for residents.

The study noted that nearly 1.6 million Americans living in New York City are without paid sick days. This is close to half of all workers in the city. The reason paid sick days saves so much money is due to consumers being able to avoid the emergency room and receive less expensive care in a doctor's office, as well as the ability to rest.

"Paid sick days help people to address their medical needs in a timely fashion without using hospital emergency departments, improving health outcomes and reducing the cost of health care," said Kevin Miller, study author and Senior Research Associate at IWPR.

Those who are not offered a proper health insurance plan may want to explore other options. Comparing affordable health insurance rates online may be just what is needed to find a sufficient option.

A recent survey completed by Harris Interactive for the American Psychological Association showed that while 93 percent of Americans attempted to improve their lives last year, many failed due to a lack of willpower.

The survey, which is part of the APA's "Stress in America" poll, showed that 50 percent of consumers wanted to eat healthier, and another four in 10 wanted to exercise on a regular basis. However, 26 percent said they didn't have the time, and another 27 percent said they didn't possess the willpower. Despite those statistics, more than seven in 10 noted that willpower can be learned.

"It is reassuring to know that even though people view a lack of willpower as a hurdle in their quest to live healthier lives, they believe they can learn the skills they need to change their lifestyles," said Dr. Norman Anderson, APA's chief executive officer and executive vice president.

Consumers may be able to supplement their efforts to better themselves by consulting with a doctor. However, if they do not have one, it could be a good idea to compare affordable health insurance quotes.