Editing Behavior (section)

==Health==
{{See also|Health belief model|Theory of planned behavior|Transtheoretical model|Self-efficacy}}
Health behavior refers to a person's beliefs and actions regarding their health and [[well-being]]. Health behaviors are direct factors in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Health behaviors are influenced by the social, cultural, and physical environments in which we live. They are shaped by individual choices and external constraints. Positive behaviors help promote health and prevent disease, while the opposite is true for risk behaviors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-229-x/2009001/deter/int3-eng.htm|title=Health behaviours|date=11 January 2010|work=statcan.gc.ca|access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref> Health behaviors are early indicators of population health. Because of the time lag that often occurs between certain behaviors and the development of disease, these indicators may foreshadow the future burdens and benefits of health-risk and health-promoting behaviors.

===Correlates===
A variety of studies have examined the relationship between health behaviors and health outcomes (e.g., Blaxter 1990) and have demonstrated their role in both morbidity and mortality.

These studies have identified seven features of lifestyle which were associated with lower morbidity and higher subsequent long-term survival (Belloc and Breslow 1972):
* Avoiding snacks
* Eating breakfast regularly
* Exercising regularly
* Maintaining a desirable body weight
* Moderate alcohol intake
* Not smoking
* Sleeping 7–8hrs per night

Health behaviors impact upon individuals' quality of life, by delaying the onset of chronic disease and extending active lifespan. Smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, gaps in primary care services and low screening uptake are all significant determinants of poor health, and changing such behaviors should lead to improved health.
For example, in US, Healthy People 2000, [[United States Department of Health and Human Services]], lists increased physical activity, changes in nutrition and reductions in tobacco, alcohol and drug use as important for health promotion and disease prevention.

===Treatment approach===
Any interventions done are matched with the needs of each individual in an ethical and respected manner. [[Health belief model]] encourages increasing individuals' perceived susceptibility to negative health outcomes and making individuals aware of the severity of such negative health behavior outcomes. E.g. through health promotion messages. In addition, the health belief model suggests the need to focus on the benefits of health behaviors and the fact that barriers to action are easily overcome. The [[theory of planned behavior]] suggests using persuasive messages for tackling behavioral beliefs to increase the readiness to perform a behavior, called ''intentions''. The theory of planned behavior advocates the need to tackle normative beliefs and control beliefs in any attempt to change behavior. Challenging the normative beliefs is not enough but to follow through the ''intention'' with self-efficacy from individual's mastery in problem solving and task completion is important to bring about a positive change.<ref>{{cite journal|volume = 4|date= 1993 |issue= 1|title = Goal Achievement: The Role of Intentions|journal = European Review of Social Psychology |first = Peter M. |last =Gollwitzer|pages = 141–185|doi =10.1080/14792779343000059|url = http://www.socmot.uni-konstanz.de/sites/default/files/93_Gollwitzer_Goal_Achievement_neu.pdf}}</ref> Self efficacy is often cemented through standard persuasive techniques.