Introduction

Of current healthcare expenses, 70% result from preventable illnesses, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (1991). According to Dr. C. Everett Koop, former U.S. Surgeon general, and Dr. James Fries of Stanford University, eight out of every nine diseases have preventable causes (Fries et al, N.E.J.M., Reducing Health Care Costs by Reducing the Need and Demand for Medical Services. July 29, 1993).The concepts of health and disease have become re-conceptualized to some degree, particularly over the last decade. As a result, the trend toward risk reduction and health promotion has become more visible. Although health promotion has been a foundation of public health programming since the 1980s, the essence of new preventive initiatives is currently being redefined to the creation of a continuum of care ranging from acute care to prevention. Activities that focus on prevention and wellness are relevant to life style changes and Complementary and Alternative therapies, including Chinese and Western herbs, homeopathy and nutritional supplements.

 

Within the range of complementary and alternative approaches, it is prevention and early benign intervention that offer the greatest prospect for reducing utilization and long-term morbidity. In the next ten years healthcare will operate within a new paradigm – one oriented to prevention, self-care, and holism. The aspect of self-care will be paramount with patients taking responsibility for their health and being rewarded for their efforts.