Injuries: An Underrecognized Lifestyle Problem

Abstract

This article introduces the field of injury prevention and control and its relationship to lifestyle medicine. A review of injury epidemiology, definitions, intervention approaches, and the importance of injury as a public health problem are discussed. Injuries are a large, predictable, and preventable national and international problem affecting individuals, families, and communities. Behavioral, environmental, and technological solutions are necessary to reduce or eliminate injuries. Reductions in injuries and their costs to patients and their families are possible but will need support, collaboration, and partnering from policy makers, clinicians, and health care practitioners. Lifestyle medicine and primary care family practitioners are important allies in encouraging lifestyle choices that reduce injuries and in advocating for medical and public health policies related to injury prevention. Injuries should be added to the broad range of conditions resulting from lifestyle choices, and primary caregivers and other gatekeepers in health care can help reduce injuries from all causes.