Healthy Choices
One of the most important things individuals and families can do to promote
good health is to make smart choices. Avoiding risky behaviors such as
using tobacco or drugs, or abusing alcohol - even driving without a safety
belt - can save lives and improve health. Behavioral changes reduce the
chance of illness or injury; even washing one's hands regularly prevents
the spread of many common illnesses and infections.
Wash Your Hands!
Handwashing has been a fundamental factor in preventing the spread of
infections. One study of school children found that those who washed their
hands four times a day had fewer sick days due to respiratory illness
and fewer days lost because of stomach upset.
Use Safety Belts!
Thousands of people needlessly die in traffic accidents yearly because
they do not use safety belts. Seat belts are the most effective means
of reducing fatalities and serious injuries in a traffic accident. In
fact, seat belts save over 10,000 lives in America every year. Appropriate
bicycle safety measures could also reduce the 690 fatalities and 51,000
traffic-related injuries that occur every year. Bike helmets reduce head
injury risk by 85 percent. These are smart choices Americans can make
that prevent injuries and death.
Reduce or Stop Tobacco Use!
Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death and disease
in the United States, causing more than 440,000 premature deaths annually
during 1995-1999. Smoking can cause chronic lung disease, coronary heart
disease, and stroke. Smoking has also been linked to cancer of the lungs,
larynx, esophagus, mouth, and bladder. In addition, smoking contributes
to cancer of the cervix, pancreas, and kidneys. Smokeless tobacco and
cigars also have deadly consequences, including lung, larynx, esophageal,
and mouth cancer. Aggressive and sustained anti-smoking programs prevent
and reduce smoking.
For more tips on healthy lifestyle choices visit HealthierUS.gov.
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