English city to reward people for keeping fit

"The English city of Manchester has come up with a simple formula it hopes will help keep its citizens trim: eat right, get stuff. Exercise, get more stuff. Manchester is hoping to fight fat with a reward system that works like a retail loyalty card. But instead of earning credit for opening their wallets, residents will be rewarded for keeping their feet on the treadmill and their fridge stocked with healthy food. Starting next fall, Manchester residents will be able to swipe their rewards cards and earn points every time they buy fruits and vegetables, use a community swimming pool, attend a medical screening or work out with a personal trainer. Points can be redeemed for athletic equipment, donations to school athletic departments and personal training sessions with local athletes. The money is coming from the government's health service and from local authorities. 'We're not looking for customers to be loyal to a particular store, but to help people make healthier choices,' said Laura Roberts, the chief executive of Manchester's National Health Service. One public health official said the program seemed worth pursuing even if it is untested" - AP