| Abstract: | Mortality data on the leading causes of death conceal the relationship to underlying risk factors; if we classified deaths according to risk factors, annually there might be an estimated 350,000 smoking-related deaths, 200,000 alcohol-related deaths and 135,000 nutrition-related cancer deaths. Similarly, five causes of death—heart disease, lung cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, suicide and motor vehicle accidents—contribute most to the risk of dying in the next ten years for a 40-year-old white man. Review of protective factors shows that adopting and maintaining a healthful life-style can contribute to reducing risk. Practicing physicians can assume both direct and indirect roles in promoting personal health maintenance. |
