Healthy lifestyles: the perspective of epidemiology.

The epidemiologic basis for emphasis on healthy lifestyles as an important aspect of prevention is presented. Experience in changing lifestyles in the United States is reviewed in terms of health education, regulation, taxation, and resources. The need to shift priorities from planning for medical care to epidemiologically oriented health planning is discussed in terms of the relative impact of preventive versus treatment services in improving the health of the population.