Health promotion: a perspective.

Although absolute proofs are sometimes lacking, advocates of health promotion tout physical fitness, proper nutrition, abstinence from smoking, and lower blood lipid levels, among others, as essential for a longer, healthier life. USAF implemented a Coronary Artery Risk Evaluation Program (CARE) several years ago and is now considering expanding it in scope in order to provide its beneficiaries with a comprehensive health promotion program. Although noncompliance, as well as philosophical/ethical issues, appears at times to be an obstacle, physicians should not be discouraged nor deterred.