Taking care of your health is up to you. It comes down to making the right choices every day. Your personal dreams and goals can be achieved with learning how to change habits and setting SMART Goals. SMART is a handy acronym for the five characteristics of well-designed goals.

• Specific: Goals should be straight forward and emphasize what you want to happen.
• Measurable: If you can't measure it, you can't manage it.
• Achievable: Begin to figure out ways you can make your goals come true.
• Realistic: Are your goals doable?
• Timed: Set a time frame for the goal.

Set your own SMART goals

What is my goal?

Example: I want to lose 10 pounds.

Why did I choose this goal?

Example: I want to stay healthy and be around for my grandchildren.

What change would help me reach my goal?

Example: I'll take a brisk walk for a half an hour 5 days a week.

How important is it to me to reach my goal?

Example: It is very important.

How sure am I that I can reach this change?

Very sure = 10. Not very sure = 1.

What part of this change will be hard for me?

Why haven't I made this change before?

How can I work around these problems?