Health as an Economic Strategy

Abstract

This article explores and reviews the available evidence pertaining to lifestyle, disease, and economic losses in the workplace. The literature shows clearly that higher levels of health risks and behaviors lead to the development of disease and moving to a high-cost status. The data suggest that those individuals with lower health risks and those individuals who achieve a reduction in health risks and unhealthy behaviors result in lower probability of disease and high health care costs. The business case for wellness and prevention is also discussed, as is the concept of investing in health as opposed to a strict focus on health care cost reduction. Furthermore, additional determinants of health such as the social–emotional states and positive characteristics of the individual and of the environment and culture are described. Since health is much more than simply the absence of disease, the members of the College of Lifestyle Medicine are encouraged to expand their interests and research inquiry and efforts in evaluating, supporting, and treating these areas. Physicians play a special role in helping individuals improve their healthy behaviors and knowledge of these lifestyle factors will add significantly to their capacity to serve patients. It is very clear that there are growing research, prevention, and treatment opportunities for members of the College of Lifestyle Medicine. It was demonstrated that there is sufficient evidence that justifies the College of Lifestyle Medicine, as observed by the content and quality of the information shared at the conference in Arlington, Virginia in October 2013.