The role of occupational therapy in disease prevention and health promotion.

There is considerable evidence that the goal of health care has moved beyond mere survival to positive health. The surgeon general's report emphasized the necessity to modify social environments by reducing risk-taking behaviors and life-styles. The increased attention the American people now pay to exercise, nutrition, environmental health, and occupational safety reveals the interest and concern with health promotion and disease prevention (Public Health Service, 1979). Naisbitt noted the increasing growth of wellness and fitness centers across our country and he projected that health care, nutrition, and fitness will be among the prime economic growth areas in the future (Naisbitt, 1982). Central to the concept of optimal functioning is the existence of a positive state of health in the whole person. This humanistic approach to health care in the United States, as called for in the surgeon general's report, is evidenced by a new self-help paradigm and changes in personal habits to achieve this state of wellness. Gilfoyle spoke of creative partnerships in her inaugural address (1986). We can use this concept to encourage occupational therapists to become more involved in creative partnerships with other health professionals and the public to achieve the goal of a healthy society. There is now a unique opportunity for occupational therapists to be among those determining significant changes in the outlook on health care. Health, considered in terms of individual and societal fulfillment and accompanied by feelings of purpose and worth, has long been the goal of occupational therapy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)