Physicians can do only so much.You as an individual have the primary responsibility for your own health care.In order to take charge of own your health,you must examine your life style.What are your habits?How often do you exercise?How much stress do you experience?How do you deal with stress?Do you use tobacco,drink,or take drugs?Is your weight under control?Do you buckle your car safely belt?How do you get along with friends and family?What do you want to achieve in life. By examining the various elements in your life and by identifying your particular health risks,you can decide which ones need most attention.The most important benefit of wellness is,of course,that you feel terrific.You feel capable of achieving things that are important to you.Taking an active approach to wellness will also save you money.You reduce the likelihood of illness or accidents,so you are less likely to run up medical bills. Medical care is very expensive in the United States.Americans spends billions of dollars in health care every year,and more than 90 present of the money goes for treatment A very small percentage is devoted to research,prevention,and health education.The percentage are changing, however.Concerned groups and individuals have already brought about a number of reforms that will help focus this country`s attention on disease prevention and health promotion. In the meantime,the sad truth is that Americans spend more money on alcohol and tobacco_which are known to cause disease than they do on disease prevention and madicial research.Obviously much needs ti be done to persuade people to take more responsibility for thier health.
