Patients are often the beneficiaries of medicine, but they can be its victims too. Most people in the western world are likely to know by their 60s that they have at least one chronic condition or risk factor, if not several. As they age further the number of these will almost certainly increase, along with regular check-ups, investigations, and an escalating amount of treatment. Some of the effects of this may be positive in terms of a person’s longevity and quality of life, although good nutrition, housing, education, and a decent income are likely to have been more important. Over time, however, their risks of harm will also become greater. These may include …

中文翻译：

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约翰·劳纳：纵观全局——通才的独特价值

患者往往是医学的受益者，但他们也可能是医学的受害者。西方世界的大多数人可能在 60 多岁的时候就知道自己至少患有一种（甚至多种）慢性病或危险因素。随着年龄的进一步增长，这种情况的数量几乎肯定会增加，同时定期检查、调查和治疗量也会不断增加。尽管良好的营养、住房、教育和体面的收入可能更为重要，但就人的寿命和生活质量而言，这可能会产生一些积极的影响。然而，随着时间的推移，他们受到伤害的风险也会变得更大。这些可能包括……