Improving the Public's Health — Some Further Reflections

In a recent Sounding Board article,1 Leon White argues that life style is the major national health problem of our time, and he suggests that future efforts to improve the nation's health should focus on changing health behavior rather than continuing the present emphasis on the delivery system. Similar views have been advanced by a number of respected observers of the health-care field.2 3 4 This emphasis on life style is gaining acceptance in professional and political circles, and it may well lead to important changes in health-care policy and medical practice. It seems appropriate, therefore, to point out some negative effects . . .