Whether you love them or hate them, make them or break them, most people struggle with them.

 

Nearly half of all Americans make at least one New Year's resolution, according to an NPR Thomson Reuters health poll, and some of the most common ones are pledges to live healthier. But keeping these promises is another matter.

 

By the end of January, one-third of those making resolutions have lapsed on their pledges and fewer than half manage to keep their pledges throughout the year.

 

Experts say the problem with New Year's resolutions is that people underestimate just how difficult it is to change habits, especially those deeply ingrained. This underestimation leads them to pledge to make sweeping lifestyle changes -- "I will eat healthy and work out every day!" -- that are usually unattainable.

 

But the news about resolutions isn't all bad. The fact that a person makes a resolution makes them more likely to succeed at quitting smoking or eating more vegetables than people who don't make one at all.

 

Let's take a look at some of the most common New Year's health resolutions and how they can actually last beyond mid-January.

 

GET FIT: As people rang in 2012, 51 percent resolved to exercise more and 35 percent pledged to lose weight, according to the poll. These goals are good for Georgians too, since 65 percent of adults in the state are overweight or obese.

 

Making these resolutions the right way will make success more likely. The key is to set simple, realistic goals.

 

"Instead of thinking, 'I am going to lose 30 pounds,' try making a goal for just five pounds during the first month," said Susanne Koch, worksite wellness coordinator for the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). "Aim to get in two workouts this week instead of saying you will exercise six days a week."

 

Once you set your goal, make it a priority. Koch said tasks should become a part of your lifestyle if they're going to stick for the long term.

 

"Consider it as important as brushing your teeth every day. It is just one of those things you do. Could you imagine not brushing your teeth every day?" she said.

 

EAT WELL: Another popular resolution is improving eating habits. Whether the promise is to eat more vegetables, less sugar or rein in portion sizes, Gloria Rodriguez Mulloy, WIC nutrition program consultant at DPH, said it's important for people to go for small, achievable steps, rather than drastic change.

 

"If we make gradual changes with dedication, we will have a healthy diet sooner than we think," she said.

 

But dieters should rely on more than willpower to make successful changes. Mulloy recommends self-monitoring tactics, like keeping a food journal or visiting the USDA's website www.choosemyplate.gov to create a personalized meal plan. For the tech savvy, there are plenty of free apps to help keep you on track, including MyFitnessPal and Free Fitness Tracker.

 

To stay accountable, many experts recommend alerting family and friends to your resolution. You can also set some fitness apps to notify others how you're doing in meeting your goals.

 

QUIT SMOKING: About 1.5 million Georgians use tobacco products and the habit is responsible for one in six deaths in the state. Kicking the habit can be especially tough.

 

"Nicotine, found in tobacco products, is addictive. Therefore quitting tobacco means breaking an addiction, which can be difficult, but can be done," said Dr. Kimberly Redding, director of DPH's Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Section. "Deciding to stop using tobacco is one of the healthiest choices individuals can make."

 

Those trying to quit smoking should be prepared for relapses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), quitting smoking often takes three or four attempts. Don't panic if you break your resolution -- instead, hit the reset button and try again.

 

DPH provides support for those trying to quit. The Georgia Tobacco Quit Line (1-877-270-STOP) provides information, quitting tips and techniques, support and a personalized cessation counseling program for all Georgians ages 13 and older. Uninsured Georgians who enroll can also receive four weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy.
 

-Story by Carrie Gann, DPH Communications