The term “lifestyle change” implies what it actually means – a change in lifestyle, not a short-term fad or initiative. While it is important to address all of the issues, it is equally important not to overwhelm the patient in the process. An emphasis on a long-term continued improvement plan that gradually addresses bad habits – one at a time – is more desirable and effective than an approach that tries to eliminate all bad habits in a short period of time.
The proposed intervention for compliance would include several steps: (1) engage a physician in the process for testing and medication recommendation, (2) talk with the client and ask questions. Such questions might include the following: “do you see a problem; why is this problem; are there changes you want to make and what you see as holding you back? and (3) rank the issues that the client agrees need to change and develop a timeline for changing them. Goals would be set, and the focus would be on health and wellness rather than on rules and