The Lifestyle Chronicles - People Power

The British Medical Journal (2006; 333, 1 July) contains a report on the analysis of 21 studies that reported the mortality and good or poor adherence to drug therapy of 45,000 participants. Good adherence had about half the mortality risk for that of poor adherence. Before we get too excited about the miracle of drug therapy, the benefit of good adherence was the same for placebo and drug therapy. The authors believe this supports the existence of a "healthy adherer".

Adherence to drug therapy is a manifestation of the ability to organize, develop a plan and sustain the motivation to put the plan into action. No doubt, these are the same traits that support a healthy lifestyle.

Perhaps the "health team" applies more to the consumer than the provider. Recruitment, training and inspiration for achieving and maintaining optimum health applies to the consumer. If that is the case, then we need more health professionals with the coaching ability to inspire people.

Just a thought. I'm not preaching revolution, yet.

Technorati Tags: Lifestyle, Health, Prevention