ABSTRACT
Current research indicates that chronic diseases are primarily the result of patients’ less than optimal health habits. Diet, exercise, smoking history, and other lifestyle factors largely determine the status of a person’s health as they age. Primary care practitioners can play a major role in preventing chronic diseases and promoting wellness. Physical activity that includes cardiorespiratory, resistance, and flexibility training beyond activities of daily living for a minimum of 30 minutes, five times a week, for a total of at least 150 minutes per week, is recommended. A healthy diet includes a higher intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and legumes, and a lower intake of red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, and highly refined grains. Motivational interviewing can be used to overcome patients’ resistance to making changes. Stress will cause patients to regress to previous bad habits. The BATHE technique can be employed to ascertain what is going on in patients’ lives and to support patients’ sense of competence. A persistent message of faith in patients’ ability to make positive changes over time will lead to rewarding outcomes.
