More than one million people die prematurely each year in the United States.
Recent research suggests that, for ages 15 to 64 years, 55 percent of these deaths are attributable to personal decisions. This means that a majority of those dying young chose to smoke, or were obese, or had sex without a condom, etc. In other words, they made poor decisions when alternatives were available.
But they are remarkable all the same when you consider that a century ago, about 5 percent of early deaths were due to personal choices, and that in 1950 about 20 percent were due to personal decisions. Our health care has improved (i.e. antibiotics), but our common sense hasn’t risen correspondingly.
Here’s a picture showing some of the poor choices that Keeney found led to premature deaths.
We spend a lot of time worrying about loss of life in this country from things like terrorism or homicides or other violent acts. In reality, by living smarter, we can all but guarantee a long life.
According to Keeney, the following factors are the most important “life-saving decisions” in order to avoid premature death:
• Avoid smoking (don’t start, quit if you do smoke)
• Avoid being overweight (exercise regularly, eat and drink responsibly)
• Avoid becoming alcoholic (drink alcohol in moderation)
• Reduce vehicle accidents (don’t drink and drive, don’t speed, use a seat belt)
• Do not use illicit drugs (don’t use narcotics or hallucinogens)
• Do not commit suicide
• Do not commit homicide
• Avoid unprotected sex (use a condom, abstain)
Like I said, these are simple prescriptions, but perhaps hard for some to follow. Do you?