Compare and discuss factors you can control and factors you cannot control to prevent the onset of disease

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer: Heredity cannot be controlled; once you are conceived, your genetic composition and family history have been determined. Likewise, you cannot control your age.
The majority of our environmental conditions are beyond our control, such as global warming and natural disasters (although we can control our response to these factors by being aware and prepared).
The development of resistant organisms is beyond our control. We can reduce our personal risk by taking antibiotics only when necessary (not for viral infections) and by completing all antibiotic therapies as directed.

The factors we can control have the greatest impact on our overall health—the behavioral factors:
• Control stress. We cannot eliminate stressors, but we can control our responses to stressors, thus decreasing the effects of chronic stress such as obesity, heart disease, and decreased immunity.
• Eat a healthy diet, be physically fit, and be well-rested.
• Limit/avoid high-risk behaviors such as using and abusing legal or illegal drug substances, including tobacco and alcohol, mixing drinking and driving, and having unprotected sex.
• Practice good personal hygiene, including good hand-washing practices.