Designed for teachers, administrators, and other specialized educational personnel, this professional paper describes new insights involving the problem of putting health knowledge into action. It explores reasons for the discrepancy between knowledge and behavior and suggests the asking of two questions: (1) What basic problem is the individual trying to solve through his behavior? and (2) How does he happen to choose a particular method? Fundamentals concerning the dynamics of behavior are reviewed with an analysis of how behavior can be changed. Examples specifically related to health concerns illustrate the components of behavior--motivating force, resources, immediate physical setting--and show how they interact as well as cause changes in behavior. A conclusion is drawn that putting knowledge into action requires understanding the underlying causes of discrepant behavior and building a plan for action based on this understanding. (BL)