Dear Friends,

The choices we make every day, determine out route through life. Frequently at this time of the year, we are thinking about what we have achieved and decide about our immediate and long-term priorities.

However, do we realize to which extent our decisions are biased? Well, according to Carnegie Melon scientists, our bad decisions can effectively get fewer in number and less damaging if behavioral methods can be applied in a broad spectrum of our activities.

This may have tremendous positive impact on health issues. Lung cancer, tobacco use, overeating, alcohol abuse, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, have a heavy burden on humanity each year, translated in millions of lives lost.

This can be prevented by applying the science of behavioral economics. In contrast to conventional economics, behavioral economics reveal that people do not make their decisions according to their best interests.

You will find more information on this interesting topic in the article Employers, policy makers, people and behavioral choices for a better future that you will find attached with our 59th Progressive Newsletter.

Understanding the behavioral biases that lead people to take decisions, is critically important not only in health issues but in many aspects of our lives. However, is there anybody who can say that he masters well the art of correct decision making?

With these thoughts in mind, we are slowly and steadily entering the New Year hoping that our resolutions will be less flawed by misjudgment. What is more important, is evaluating the results of our decisions and acts, learning the lessons from them hoping that in the future our mistakes will be less and our efficiency higher.

Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year 2008,

The possibilities for using decision errors to improve health behaviors and thereby improving the health of the population is enormous.

Our Quote:

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant."  

Robert Louis Stevenson