If you consider the top 15 causes of death (I just saw a list for the U.S. — see http://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/usa-cause-of-death-by-age-and-gender), most of them are substantially related to behavior. The most obvious are suicide and accidents (the ones we cause are under our control). Beyond those, bigger causes of death, including heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and cancer, are commonly caused at least in part by behavior such as smoking, not exercising, and overeating. A health fanatic (take me for example) exercises briskly almost every day, does not smoke or use illicit drugs, and eats healthfully (with minimal or no transfatty acids, sugar, and high glycemic food — such as white bread and white potatoes). My worst health habit may be sitting for long periods, especially at a computer monitor (right now!). Another dangerous thing I do is ride my bike (sometimes on streets with cars). I am working on reducing sitting, but I could do more to remain safe while cycling.

What is your most dangerous health-related behavior? What might you do to reduce the risk?

John Malouff, PhD, JD
Assoc Prof of Psychology