The partnership between behavioral and preventive medicine

We must look at the "big picture" when encouraging positive change in people's lives. Simplistic fads and magical techniques rarely promote lasting change. A more holistic approach that incorporates the psychologic and behavioral components is much more powerful. We need to adopt a model of change that promotes an overall positive lifestyle and an idea of wellness that is not focused on absence of disease. Physicians should stress that psychosocial aspects be considered, discussed, and addressed to enhance true positive lifestyle changes that focus on personal responsibility as the most effective locus of control. Positive cultural and family beliefs, religious and social norms, self care and self responsibility are the fundamental building blocks in our later efforts to promote health education and healthy lifestyles. To be most cost effective, these efforts need to be incorporated into the curricula of young children.