4 traits of successfully healthy people

Getting healthy is something everyone can do, but the people with these four traits seem to lead healthy lifestyles more easily. Let's see if you have them.

• It takes at least two weeks, and probably closer to four or eight weeks, to turn a new strategy into something that's second nature.
• You have to stick with it long enough to face all the challenges you meet regularly in your life, and find a way to fit it in.
• The sign of a successful habit being formed is when you miss doing it.

• Buy the healthy foods you need.
• Set aside time for socializing.
• Schedule exercise.
• Don't leave change to chance.
• Put exercise in your calendar.
• Make healthy living a regular part of your day.

• Researchers at the University of Missouri found that older women exercised an extra 37 minutes a week when they got friendly, weekly phone call reminders.
• You can get even better motivation by joining or creating an exercise group or finding an exercise buddy.
• Look for someone with whom you can walk or work out, or just communicate by phone or via an online support group.

"One change begets others," says Karl Knopf, EdD, a professor of Adaptive/Older Adult Fitness, "You have to open the door, see the benefits and feel the rewards. Then it propagates itself — you motivate yourself to make more changes."

Getting healthy isn't easy, but there are things you can do to help your chances. Studies show that a positive attitude and a strong network of people can make leading a healthier lifestyle much, much easier.