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Positive lifestyle changes better than New Year’s resolutions, DO says

Focusing on small changes in behavior rather than desired outcomes could help patients in their quest for healthy living.

Your patients might already be frustrated about a lack of progress with their New Year’s resolutions. Jane Balbo, DO, advises her patients to focus on ways they can change their behaviors rather than the desired outcomes.

“Pick a behavior that will help you achieve your goal, not just a goal,” Dr. Balbo, an assistant professor at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine at Athens, told CBS News.

Try Dr. Balbo’s other tips to help patients achieve healthier lifestyles:

  • Focus on small changes. Instead of resolving to lose so many pounds, encourage patients to take small steps, like consuming six servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
  • Use a pencil to reduce smoking. Dr. Balbo recommends the American Lung Association’s pack tracks—cards in the shape of a pack of cigarettes. Patients use the cards to write down when they smoked and their mood at the time to better understand what motivates them to smoke.

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