"Hovering" for Health

Kevin Volpp, M.D., Ph.D., founding director of the Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics Penn, research suggest that because of present-biased preferences and the intangibility of the small steps required in behavior change, just having the knowledge and skills to make a change is usually not enough to nudge ourselves forward. Most of us need ways to be better engaged in the change process and Volpp has a new model he calls “automated hovering”. Last year my good friend Susan Bailey and I were teaching in Tampa, and doing long walks to unwind, she wore a Fitbit that gave her continuous feedback about steps walked, climbed, distance and sleep quality. I bought one and immediately experienced the benefits of automated hovering – 20 pounds lighter, I’m a believer. Consider your behavior change needs today and ways to increase “hovering” for better health. (Link) How to Get People to Live Healthier