by Dr. Stephen Parker (Article selection and Commentary) on May 30, 2012
[The critical component is "adherence" -- most of us know what to do be be healthy, we just don't do it. It is the psychology of adherence that deserves much study and much more prominence] from the article: All 4 low-risk lifestyle factors were significantly and independently associated with a lower risk of SCD Adherence [...]
by Dr. Stephen Parker (Article selection and Commentary) on May 26, 2012
[Most of us know that if we lost weight our hearts would be healthier -- yet the resolution to lose weight rarely works. Strategy based on how the brain works is much more effective than just trying to use will power.] from the article: Below are five strategies to restore your willpower. Sure, they may [...]
by Dr. Stephen Parker (Article selection and Commentary) on October 28, 2010
Years ago, California had a 1-800 hotline you could call if you were trying to quit smoking. They asked the callers if they could check back on them to see what strategies of quitting smoking worked. It turned out that a large variety of strategies worked, except for the strategy of using willpower. The problem [...]
by Dr. Stephen Parker (Article selection and Commentary) on October 27, 2010
For want of a nail the shoe was lost. For want of a shoe the horse was lost. For want of a horse the rider was lost. For want of a rider the battle was lost. For want of a battle the kingdom was lost. And all for the want of a horseshoe nail. John [...]
by Dr. Stephen Parker (Article selection and Commentary) on October 26, 2010
The theme of the last posts has been while we all know what we should do, it is a whole other matter to actually consistent do it. Frankly, I get tired of lists of things to do to diet right, exercise, sleep, etc. Most are so obvious that they put the mind to sleep. Appealing [...]
by Dr. Stephen Parker (Article selection and Commentary) on October 25, 2010
Yesterday’s post suggested that “keeping it simple” was important for adherence to an exercise program. Here is some other research: Peer Influence People behave in a similar way to others who are like them, and have influenced them. Martin, S. (2008). The science of compliance. Practice Nurse, 35(1), 38-39. Reciprocity People are more obliged to [...]
by Dr. Stephen Parker (Article selection and Commentary) on October 24, 2010
A young man who just graduated from Agricultural College is walking by a farm in Iowa and watches an old farmer for a while. Finally, he says to the farmer, You know sir, with these new methods I just learned in school, I can show you how to farm twice as well as you are [...]