5 misconceptions about healthy living

Many of the most prevalent health issues in America are diseases of poverty, something that unconditional cash transfer programs might be able to fix.(Photo: Chris Ryan/Getty)Whether you're a fitness freak or a sheltered hermit, you're undoubtedly aware of the health craze sweeping our nation. From FitBit to Nutrisystem, it's big business directing a lot of focus toward improving America's well-being. But, unless you're an avid reader of OZY, you're likely viewing this paradigm in a dim light. So drop the jargon and forget your idealistic fantasy of a healthy lifestyle. Here's what you need to know:Why you should be getting paid to go to the doctor's office: What if, the next time you went to the doc for a blood test, instead of paying a copay, you walked out with $1,000 in cold hard cash? That's the principle behind unconditional cash transfer programs, which many believe could help improve public health across the planet.The real reason we never lose weight during diets: Most people assume weight loss comes down to one thing: willpower. But the truth is that we can only control so much, and acknowledging a few of these factors could make all the difference in the world when it's time to diet.The truth about obesity and why we're wasting billions to treat it: Shaquille O'Neal, according to medical professionals, was considered obese while he won 4 NBA Championships and 3 NBA Finals MVP awards. The greatest boxer of all-time, Muhammad Ali? Technically overweight during his prime. So why should you care? Because your hard-earned tax dollars are being flushed down the drain trying to treat America's weight problem, all while we continue to neglect a fundamental flaw in our health system.How peanut butter & jelly sandwiches could help fix America's education system: We've looked at our teachers, curriculum and budgeting. But one of the most effective possible solutions to improving America's education system might also be a simple sandwich.Arsenic actually has several health benefits: The 2,400-year-old Chinese medicine is largely known as a carcinogen, but ironically enough, it may also help cure certain forms of cancer.OZY is a USA TODAY content partner providing general news, commentary and coverage from around the Web. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.Europe anti-terrorism raids lead to dozens of arrestsJan 16, 2015