AMA Healthier Life Steps™
Information and resources for patients
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is there a cost for using this program?
A. The program is free to patients and to their doctors. If you or your doctor identify other steps beyond those discussed and offered in this program, some costs may be associated with those services. In the resources sections we suggest additional help resources that are free or low cost.
Q. Will my doctor know about this program?
A. We are extensively promoting this program to all AMA members and to other primary care physicians. If your personal doctor and his or her staff do not know about it, we encourage you to share the information with them so that they can view the physician tool-kit and support your efforts. Feel free to copy those materials and take them with you when you visit your doctor.
Q. What if I’m not sure whether I’m ready to change one or any of these behaviors?
A. We recommend that you read the materials and give yourself the opportunity to at least think about it. If you’re uncertain or want to know more, ask your doctor or look at the resources listed for further information.
Q. Why have these four behaviors been chosen? Aren't there other equally important health behaviors to look at?
A. These four behaviors are the main contributors to the leading causes of premature death and preventable illness in the United States: heart disease, cancer, diabetes, injury, and alcohol-related problems. There are many other important health problems and they also need to be addressed. And certainly if you are experiencing other health problems we strongly encourage you to get help from your doctor. But the four behaviors emphasized in this program affect more people than any other health behaviors. In combination, these behaviors are the major underlying contributors to preventable causes of death.
To give just a few examples, major causes of cancer include smoking, poor diet, and excess alcohol use. People who are heavy drinkers are frequently also heavy smokers and have poor nutrition, and thus are at even higher risk for cancer than if they engaged in only one of these behaviors. Excess alcohol use and lack of physical activity together contribute to injuries and, in the case of alcohol, to many types of violence. Major contributors to heart disease include physical inactivity, poor nutrition and eating behaviors (which in turn contribute to obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure), excess alcohol use, and tobacco use.
