ABSTRACT
Health promotion is good for the health of individuals and for public health. Behaviors that are under individual control such as exercise, good nutrition, and not smoking promote health-that is, they both reduce the risk of disease and enhance the quality of life. Although these behaviors are controlled by the individual, the concerted efforts of professionals and the person's social support network may be required. These efforts are directed toward creating an awareness of the needs and opportunities for health promotion, engaging people in strategies to define and select behaviors congruent with their health promoting goals, and enabling people to integrate these behaviors into lifestyle patterns. Although the success of behavioral interventions has been demonstrated and the strengthening effects of social support documented, the abilities of computer technologies to facilitate the development of healthy lifestyles have not been fully explored.
