BlackDoctor.org -- Maybe you’re not exactly the resolution type. But, even if you can make one little change in the new year, it might just do wonders for your health.

Any of the below are excellent places to start:

Bad habit: Nail Biting

Seriously, just stop it now - it’s not like it tastes good anyway. Biting your nails not only makes hands look unattractive, but can also interfere with normal nail growth, damage the outer layer of your teeth and cause nail deformities, such as split nails. Even worse, harmful bacteria such as staphylococcus can live underneath nails.  Do you really want to chew on that?

To help break this habit, try getting a professional manicure once every 2 or 3 weeks. Angelica Kaner, PhD, a clinical professor at Yale University Medical School, suggests that if your nails look attractive, you'll be less likely to snack on them. At the very least, keep your nails trimmed short, so you'll have less nail to bite, and that harmful bacteria will have less space to grow. Nail biting is also a nervous habit that is often an expression of some deeper anxiety. "Ask yourself why you're feeling anxious," Kaner says. You can also try substituting a new, healthy habit - instead of biting your nails, rub in a cuticle cream or oil.

2. Bad habit:  Forgetting to Floss

Even if you don’t personally do it (yet), you’re probably at least aware of the fact that flossing helps prevent gum disease, keeps your teeth and gums looking good and your breath smelling fresher. But, it may also prevent non-mouth-related diseases: A 2005 study in the journal Circulation showed that older adults with higher levels of four gum disease-causing bacteria in their mouths also tend to have thicker carotid arteries, which raises the risk of stroke and heart attack. And just think - 90% of dentists say that most patients don't floss regularly!

Buy a floss-holding device, such as the Flossmate Floss Holder to make the process easier and faster. In an Indiana University study, 50% of previous non-flossers were doing so regularly six months after introducing floss to their routine; 85% of the new flossers used a holding device. Incorporate flossing into your morning and evening routine, either before or after brushing. We swear, it only takes a minute!

3. Bad habit: Raiding The Fridge At Night

Eating late at night, in itself, is NOT actually so bad for you. But, what are the chances that you're eating ice cream, as opposed to apple slices? Adding those extra calories is what does the late night damage, according to a 2005 Oregon Health & Science University study. Snacking late at night can also exacerbate symptoms for those prone to heartburn, as lying down after eating makes it easier for stomach acid to flow into the esophagus.

“To break this habit, realize that boredom, not hunger, is generally the root cause of late night eating,” says Pamela Peeke, MD, author of Fit to Live. Once the craving hits you, focus on an activity that engages you until it's time to go to sleep, such as e-mail, a crossword puzzle or meditation. It's also common for people to chow down while watching TV. In fact, a study from the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago found that people who were allowed to eat as many potato chips as they wanted ate 44% more chips while watching a late night talk show than while not watching TV. Keep your hands busy while you watch by folding laundry, using your BlackBerry or knitting - you’ll be less tempted to break out .....

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