In most cases, our initial attempts to change our health behaviors are unsuccessful. Typically we become aware of the need to change behaviors. We initiate change and we experience a series of failed attempts at change. Only sometimes do we actually succeed in changing our behaviors. The nature of this process indicates that we need help. A variety of intervention programs to meet individual needs and purposes including arrangements for early treatment have been developed.

Health Promotion Messages:

We are constantly bombarded with messages about health risks. Numerous nonprofit organizations use television commercials, newspaper articles, magazine advertising and the internet to warn us about unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, unprotected sex and alcohol and drug abuse and to tell us about their associated risks including cancer, heart disease and AIDS. These campaigns typically provide information and symptoms that may indicate the presence of a health problem, such as shortness of breath or chest pain in the case of heart attacks and information about the relation between specific behaviors and disease.

The role of early detection in disease and Illness:

Psychologists are taking an increasingly active role in developing motivational strategies to get people to take part in early assessment procedures or techniques that are used to screen for the presence of high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and some forms of cancer. The identification of these conditions at an early stage can make an enormous difference in the chances of for treatment success.

Screening for disease: Seeking information about our health

The fact that early detection and treatment of an illness is more effective than later detection and treatment is the foundation for screening programs. Research evidence suggest that the widespread use of available screening techniques could decrease the incidence of cardiovascular disease through the early detection of high blood pressure and cholesterol and could significantly reduce the number of cervical, colon and prostrate cancer deaths.

Many companies, collages, community organizations and hospitals have screening programs to test for various diseases and disorders. Unfortunately, many people either do not take advantage of screening programs at all or fail to get screened regularly. Forgetting and underestimating the tie since the last test are the primary reasons people wait too long between screenings. Interventions that heighten awareness or serve as a reminder function, such as physician reminder systems and local advertising campaigns can increase the frequency of screening visits.