Question

you decide you are going to make more responsible health decisions. Which of the following risk factors can you control?

there is a history of heart disease in your family.
there is a higher incidence of high blood pressure in your ethnic group.
your friends have recently started smoking.
unintentional accidents are the leading cause of death for teens.

Answer 1

When considering the risk factors listed, the ones that you can control or influence through your health decisions are:

1. **Your friends have recently started smoking:** While you cannot control your friends' decisions, you can choose to not smoke and encourage them to make healthier choices.

The other factors listed are not directly controllable:

- **There is a history of heart disease in your family:** This is a hereditary factor that you cannot control, but you can manage other risk factors associated with heart disease.

- **There is a higher incidence of high blood pressure in your ethnic group:** This is also a demographic factor that is outside your control, though you can take steps to maintain healthy blood pressure through lifestyle choices.

- **Unintentional accidents are the leading cause of death for teens:** This is a statistical statement about risk but is not a personal risk factor that you can control. However, you can take precautions to minimize the chances of unintentional accidents.

In summary, while you cannot change certain inherent risk factors, you can make responsible choices regarding your own health and influence your environment, particularly in relation to smoking.