Got a Health Goal? Watch Success Stories

If you're finding it tough to lose weight, lower your blood pressure, or reach another health goal, here's a way to see results: Start watching success stories.

In a study, people with high blood pressure did a better job of improving their own numbers if they watched DVDs documenting the treatment successes of other people with the same health problem.

Let's Get Talking
In the study, some participants were given the DVD success stories, while others watched videos on unrelated health topics. And in the people whose high blood pressure was not effectively controlled at the start of the study, their systolic pressure was about 17 mm HG lower 3 months later if they were in the success stories DVD group. And their diastolic blood pressure had dropped 7 mm HG. (Try this 30-second trick to help lower your blood pressure quickly.)

Motivate Me
Researchers think the blood pressure videos may have helped motivate people to get more serious about treating their own blood pressure problems. Not surprisingly, it can be highly encouraging to hear someone whose been in your shoes say "I did it, and you can, too!" So, whatever health hurdles you face, find people who've "been there, done that," and learn from them. Trying to lose weight? Check out these success stories:

• Learn how Dahne Rodriquez put emotional eating to rest and lost 12 inches off her waist.
• Find out what tricks Lori Mueller used to help her lose more than 100 pounds!
• Read how Debbie Pitstick lowered her blood pressure and triglycerides through weight loss.

Check out RealAge's best plans for losing weight and looking and feeling younger.