Changing Bad Health Habits

There are two ways to use this website. First, become familiar with the three steps of change: Awareness, Skills and Motivation and then move on to the health topics to see what healthy behaviors you'd like to incorporate in your lifestyle. Or, look over the health topics first to get ideas of the types of behaviors you want to work on and then review the three steps you can use to change your behaviors for a healthier lifestyle.

1. Awareness or knowledge is the first step in the change process. The awareness stage always starts with a period of observation. If you're here because you recognize that you've accumulated some bad health habits which are preventing you from living a healthy lifestyle then you're already in the beginning stage of awareness. Go to Awareness
2. A Set of Skills or the "know how" is the second step in the change process. It's not necessarily the easiest step but it's one for which you're best equipped. This step focuses on mechanics. You already have most of the tools you need. You just need to put what you know to work for you. Go to Skills
3. Motivation or desire is the third and final step in the change process. This is a powerful emotion but when it comes to changing bad health habits it may appear initially only as a thought; a desire to make a change. Motivation needs fuel to thrive and the perfect fuel is action. Your actions feed your motivation. When you're motivated, your success is within your reach and control. Go to Motivation

There's no truer expression than "You are what you eat." This section explores common food facts and supplies useful links for learning more about improving eating habits.

Getting enough sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your mental and physical health. Yet, an amazing number of people report not getting enough sleep. Learn about the benefits of sleep and then use the three-step change process to get the rest you need for a healthier life.

Stress is a serious byproduct of not taking the time to relax in today's chaotic and hectic world. Learn how simple relaxation techniques can put you on the path to stress free living.

Exercise benefits both the mind and the body. Exercise isn't just something to be done at a fitness center. Adding movement to your life is an enriching experience that can even be fun.

Taking a proactive stand to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is of vital interest to seniors who want fuller, richer and independent lives in their retirement years.

Heart disease, also called coronary disease, is an umbrella term for a variety of diseases affecting the heart. It is still the leading cause of death in the United States, Canada, England and Wales. Developing a healthy lifestyle using the three step plan outlined in this website is a top defense for reducing your risk of heart disease.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. While diabetes occurs in people of all ages and races, some groups have a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes than others. Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population.