HEALTH

Changing unhealthy behavior

Why do we continue unhealthy behaviors knowing that they are detrimental to our well-being? Former first lady Nancy Reagan's slogan "Just say no" was a simple, but ineffective solution. Economics, environment and culture are powerful stimuli. And so are habits. More »

Take the first step ... again and again

Sonia Booker, 79, is good at keeping secrets. She was able to keep her cigarette smoking hidden from the parishioners at Holy Tabernacle Church where she was a choir member and usher. She even tried to keep it from her doctor. More »

A change of habit

The transtheoretical model defines five stages a person goes through to change unhealthy behavior, such as smoking, drug abuse and overeating. According to the psychologists that developed the model, a person must go though each phase without skipping in order to realize its benefits. More »

Break bad habits

If you always stop for a donut on your way to work, try a different route. Keep fatty foods, cigarettes, alcohol and other tempting items out of your home. More »

Take a deep breath

Chronic stress can cause bad habits, such as excessive smoking and drinking and compulsive overeating -- all behaviors that are detrimental to one's health. The relaxation response is one technique that has been found to reduce stress. More »