Physicians and other healthcare providers should be humbled and concerned by the statistics that show our efforts to provide optimal care for our patients often fall woefully short of our expectations. Reviewing the literature reminds us of shortcomings such as the failure to diagnose and adequately treat common medical problems such as hypertension, diabetes, and lipid disorders. Experts tell us that our patients are dying in record numbers from lifestyle-induced diseases. Other studies show that our patients are embracing complementary or alternative medical regimens as they lose faith in traditional medical therapies and mainline pharmacotherapy. Even when we diagnose and prescribe appropriately, many of our prescriptions remain unfilled or incompletely taken due to a variety of factors ranging from prohibitive expense to disabling adverse effects. Our present situation is an indictment of our current healthcare system and clearly calls for a new approach that involves the patient in the process of making

choices that improve both the quality and quantity of life.

After completing this activity, the participant should be able to:

• discuss prescribing enjoyable and positive elements to prevent major causes of premature death and to treat specific health problems.
• discuss prescribing enjoyable nutritional elements that help prevent cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cancer.
• discuss recommending enjoyable activities and pastimes that reduce risks as well as enhance overall health and longevity.
• explain the role of spirituality, religion, and relationships in the healing process.