In this Article

• Physical activity and exercise
• Avoid tobacco use
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
• Avoid high-risk sexual behaviors
• Avoid other high-risk behaviors
• Healthy Living Glossary
• Healthy Living Index

Avoid other high-risk behaviors such as

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Driving while sleep-deprived
• Reckless driving and speeding, "road rage"
• Driving while using cell phones or performing other tasks
• Motorcycle (and bicycle) riding without helmets
• Possession of firearms and guns without proper training and storage
• Smoking in bed

Adverse consequences of high-risk behaviors:

• Motor vehicle accidents account for 40-50% of accidental deaths
• Motorcycle accidents are a major cause of serious head injuries
• Firearms and guns account for a significant proportion of deaths among adolescents due to male suicide and homicide.
• Smoking in bed can lead to burn injury and death

Recommendations:

• Use seat restraints
• Do not drink and drive
• Do not drive if sleep deprived
• Avoid unnecessary distractions while driving (talking on cell phones, eating, applying makeup, etc.)
• Use helmets while riding bicycles and motorcycles. Helmet use reduces deaths from motorcycle accidents by 30% and serious head injuries by 75%.
• Proper training in the use and storage of guns and ammunition
• Smoke detectors; avoid smoking in bed
• Use seat restraints

Adverse consequences of excess sun exposure:

• Risks of behavior, melanoma and other skin cancers

Recommendation:

• Avoid sunburns and sun exposure without protection. Use brimmed hats, protective clothing and sunscreen.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Colon Cancer Screening - Colon cancer screening include colonoscopy, fecal occult blood tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, and air contrast barium enema.
• Vitamins and Calcium Supplements - Get the facts on vitamins and calcium supplements. Learn about vitamin deficiencies, drug interactions, food sources, health benefits and overdose and absorption information.
• Stress Management Techniques - Learn ways to manage stress with reduction techniques, exercises, stress-management strategies and meditation. Discover the physical and psychological symptoms of stress.

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