Living Smart

Book excerpt: Lifestyle change made simple! By following each of the steps outlined in the book, the reader can immediately implement a program to eat better, exercise consistently, and diminish the stress in their lives. If all Americans would follow these important steps, we could reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke dramatically. Robert Pearl, MD, former executive director and CEO of the Permanente Medical Group Anyone interested in changing their lifestyle will be empowered by this book. It is straightforward and easy to read, even though it is based on a scientifically evaluated, conceptually grounded model of behavioral change. Living SMART demystifies health behavior change using information, motivation, and behavioral skills that anyone can learn to improve their health. Jeffrey Fisher, PhD, Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of Psychological Sciences at the University of Connecticut and founding Director of Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy (InCHIP) Living SMART is an easy-to-follow behavioral program that offers what others do not: a simple approach to changing any unhealthy behavior. Whether you want to quit smoking, reduce stress, start an exercise program, or make any other lifestyle change, its helpful tips, checklists, interactive exercises, charting tools to track progress, and specific action plans for some of the most common health-related issues will get you on the right track and keep you there. The SMART acronym refers to five essential skills: Set a goal. Monitor your progress. Arrange your world for success. Recruit a support team. Treat yourself.