Can the Ionic Hair Wand change your life?

The editors of Slate have, in their wisdom, decided to improve my life at (minimal) expense to them by giving me a budget to test health products available in catalogs. Even though I pose as a cynic, I harbor a belief in the transformative power of consumer goods, despite the documented failure of any product with "slim" or "anti" in its name. I looked for items that required no effort to use yet promised dramatic effects. I also chose items that were either ubiquitous (suggesting they had something going for them) or unique (the company must have locked up rights to a magical object). I judged them not only on whether they delivered on their claims but also on whether I would buy one for myself or send one as a gift.

Feet

I decided to work from the bottom up. My first purchase was an odd-looking shoe called the Arcopedico, with a flat PVC sole and a knitted nylon upper. Normally, the first thing I do when I get home is kick off my shoes, but these were so comfortable that I'd realize, late into the evening, that I'd forgotten to take them off. After a few weeks of wearing my Arcopedicos almost exclusively, what I thought was a permanently throbbing bunion has virtually disappeared. There's one drawback to the Arcopedico. When you wear them people will say things like "Look at your shoes!" This is not a compliment. They don't have the "I've never shaved my armpit hair" aura of the Birkenstock, but they are strangely elfin in appearance.

Would I buy a pair with my own money? I already have.

Would I buy them as a gift? Shoes are a peculiar gift, but I've recommended them to many people.

Purchasing information: The Arcopedico is sold at many prices under various names. I ordered them from the Norm Thompson catalog, where they are called Mile Mates and sell for $54, plus $7.25 shipping. They arrived in two days. (800) 547-1160 or www.normthompson.com.

Tush

Moving up, I settled on the Tush-Cush. Almost every catalog dealing with health or comfort carries this item. It's a wedge-shaped foam cushion with a U-shaped piece cut out of the thicker end. Sitting with your spine aligned over the hole is supposed to reduce pressure on your disks. It has definitely made sitting in front of the computer easier and is far more comfortable than the throw pillows I previously used. At $40, it's a pretty pricey piece of foam, but it is a lot cheaper than an ergonomically correct chair. It does not, unfortunately, firm your tush as you sit.

Would I buy one for myself? Yes, although I think all editors should, in their own self-interest, give them to writers.

Would I buy one as a gift? Yes.