Check out this interesting article in the Star Tribune. Scientists at the University of Minnesota have had great success with smoking cessation programs designed around a “chronic disease” model of care, which involves monthly check-ins with a counselor. The “chronic disease” model is different from other smoking cessation strategies in that the counselors don’t give up if the smoker relapses. Their commitment to their patients is forever. If you’re struggling to change a behavior, maybe you need a nag in your life – someone who will not give up on you.