Time for Lifestyle Medicine to Take Injury Prevention Seriously

Abstract

Over 2 decades ago, the United States National Academy of Sciences described injuries as "the most under-recognized major public health problem facing the nation." Our progress since then has been limited. Injuries still account for nearly 1 out of every 10 deaths in the world, and the global burden of injury is projected to increase over the next decade, predominately in low- and middle-income countries. Despite this, injury prevention receives scant attention from legislators, the education system, and, most strikingly, the health care system. The lifestyle medicine community, however, is beginning to focus on injury prevention and will play an increasing role in helping control the burden of injury. Lifestyle medicine practitioners are in a tremendous position to promote injury prevention. Physical activity and positive lifestyle changes can be accompanied with an increased focus on preventing injury. Lifestyle medicine can prevent injuries by supporting legislation, advancing medical advocacy, providing community education, and linking clinical care with injury prevention.

The Difficulty of Prevention

“…10,11 In terms of childhood injury prevention, mothers may be less likely to ask about injury prevention or take an unintentionally injured child to receive care because these actions may lead to accusations of abuse or neglect. 6,7,9,12,13 Perhaps one of the most significant barriers for patients is the concept that “accidents just happen.” 6 As discussed in this issue, 2 many injuries result from predictable events. Having patients shift from perceiving injuries as random occurrences to something they have control over will help enhance self-efficacy and will increase the likelihood that they engage in behaviors consistent with prevention.…”

“…Recommendations for what HCPs can do in terms of injury prevention have been provided. 2 Additional points to consider when giving preventive information include the following:…”

“…Lifestyle modification often rests on patient passive behaviors or qualities such as willpower, discipline, or education level. 1 As discussed by Teitge and Francescutti 2 in this issue, active injury prevention requires “repeated user participation,” which can also be framed as adherence. Although passive injury prevention techniques have a greater potential on a population level, health care providers (HCPs) are most likely to be involved with active strategies.…”