Your patient presents to the clinic and tells you that in light of your conversation several months ago he has made a drastic lifestyle change to decrease his risk for a heart attack. He has stopped...

Your patient presents to the clinic and tells you that in light of your conversation several months ago he has made a drastic lifestyle change to decrease his risk for a heart attack. He has stopped drinking alcohol, is now eating a diet low in saturated fat, smokes less, and even started exercising. What words of encouragement do you have to offer, and what should accompany them?