Has your doctor told you to make changes in your lifestyle that you find impossible? Hi, This is Dr. John Torquato with today’s “Health Nuggets by Dr. John.” One organization has found a way to harness the power to make lifestyle changes. Alcoholics Anonymous has become well known for acknowledging the importance of a higher power in overcoming long-term lifestyle habits and addictions. This approach has proven powerful and effective for making changes in one of the most difficult to overcome addictions, Alcoholism. It has also been adapted to other addictions and lifestyle issues from drug abuse to over eating. Why is acknowledging a higher power such a key to success when so many other approaches are such dismal failures? Acknowledging a higher power greater than ourselves goes to the root of the problem in many of these lifestyle issues, the heart. In order to address issues of the heart, we need a motivating force that can reach it. The success of Alcoholics Anonymous should not surprise us. In a recent Gallop Poll 85% of Americans surveyed indicated religion as very important or fairly important in their lives. A full 68% of those surveyed indicated they believe that religion can answer all or most of today’s problems. Religion and spiritual life can be a strong motivator for success in the difficult lifestyle changes that will prolong life and enrich happiness. Next time your doctor gives you the impossible to accomplish, consider a prescription that includes religion and belief in a higher power.