SLIM DOWN AND SHAPE UP
Losing weight is one of the most common, and elusive, goals that people set. To take the pounds off safely and permanently, consider these strategies:

• Set small, specific goals. Instead of saying, “I’m going to lose 20 pounds,” decide that you’ll be more active every other day of the week.
• Ask your doctor about a good weight and calorie plan for your height, build and age.
• To help keep cravings at bay, eat a small amount of your favorite foods occasionally.
• Find “sneaky” ways to get exercise. Use the stairs, park your car a block or two away or take dance lessons.
• Watch for triggers that cause you to overeat, such as being lonely, sad, bored or stressed.

BOOST YOUR FINANCES
Many of us want to get out of debt and save more money. Try these tips:

• Set a budget, and write down everything you spend for a month. Stop the minor cash drains — $10 here, $20 there — on things that aren’t necessary.
• Don’t use credit cards if you can’t afford to pay them off in a month or two.
• If you do have credit card debt, pay more than the minimum amount owed every month. Put the biggest payments toward the cards with the highest interest rates.
• Figure out what financial goals are most important. Ask yourself: “Is this expense taking me closer to my main goals, or farther away from them?”

LOWER YOUR WORK STRESS
Workplace stress can more than double your risk for heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular problems. Here are some ways to gain a better sense of control over your work...and your career goals:

• Look for projects that get you involved in decision making.
• Think about hiring a job coach. This is an expert who can help you pinpoint your personal strengths and goals, as well as the skills you need to build up.
• If you have chronic stressors that can’t be changed, try support groups, meditating, exercise, relaxation techniques and/or counseling.
• Watch for signs of burnout, such as a lack of patience, a tendency to become annoyed more often or a change in sleep habits or appetite. If you’re having these symptoms, talk to a counselor or your physician.

NURTURE YOUR FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
Most relationships go through ups and downs. But here are some positive steps you can take to keep yours healthy:

• Respect your partner and support his or her decisions.
• Take time to talk with each other respectfully...and listen.
• If you’re having marriage troubles, consider marital education classes.
• To maintain a good relationship with your children, value each child’s uniqueness, build some fun and humor into the day and have realistic rules that are clearly stated.

KICK THE HABIT
Smoking and heavy drinking are two habits that need to go...for good. They’re both linked to serious health problems such as cancer, and they also can be a health hazard to those around you. If you’re pregnant, smoke and alcohol are especially dangerous to developing fetuses. Here are some steps that may help you quit:

• Be aware of the problem. Generally, a woman who has more than three drinks per occasion, and a man who has more than four drinks per occasion, is at risk for developing a drinking problem. For smoking, keep in mind that there’s no safe tobacco product, including snuff or chewing tobacco.
• Add up all the money you spend on cigarettes. Ask yourself what you’d rather do with that money over the next 10 years.
• Consider seeing a counselor. It may also help to use a self-help group, 12-step program or telephone support line.
• Talk to your doctor about medicine that can help ease your withdrawal symptoms.