There are high rates of obesity in the general population People often have poor eating, sleep, and exercise habits. Along with poor health habits, many also experiences a high prevalence of chronic health problems: cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Despite the compelling need for healthy lifestyle programs, few research-based programs have been developed. There is a compelling need for practical, engaging and easy to implement tools to support healthy physical well-being for all adults.

The Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Program (HELP) is designed to provide an effective and practically useful approach to a healthy lifestyle for adults who want to live a healthier lifestyle. HELP draws from studies of the most effective behavioral programs specifically designed for adults, focusing on three of the most significant factors of an individual’s health: healthy eating, effective sleep management, and adequate physical activity.

The three primary goals of the total program are to provide (a) healthy eating guidelines with an emphasis on increasing fruits and vegetable consumption; (b) procedures for improving sleep patterns; and (c) guidance in setting up lifestyle physical activities.

This program consists of three modules: (1) Healthy Lifestyle, Habits, and an Introduction to Mindfulness, (2) The Habit Cycle and Mindful Movements, and (3) Tiny Steps for Big Results.

One important focus is on the learning and practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness, or being present, is simply paying attention to what is happening right now. What is happening inside of us -- our thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. And paying attention to what is around us – what we see, what we hear, what we smell, what we taste, what we feel.

The learning exercises in these three modules will provide a set of basic habit formation skills that are complete in and of themselves.They will provide a strong foundation for developing new and healthy habits.