| The concept of personal choice in
relation to health behaviors is an important one. An estimated 90 percent of all
illnesses may be preventable if individuals would make sound personal health
choices based upon current medical knowledge. We all enjoy our freedom of choice
and do not like to see it restricted when it is within the legal and moral
boundaries of society. The structrue of American society allows us to make
almost all our own personal decisions that may concern our health. If we so
desire, We can smoke, drink excessively, refuse to wear seat belts, eat whatever
foods we want, and live a completely sedentary life-style without any exercise.
The freedom to make such personal decisions is a fundamental aspect of our
society, although the wisdom of these decisions can be questioned. Personal
choices relative to health often cause a difficulty. As one example, a teenager
may know the facts relative to smoking cigarettes and health but may be
pressured by friends into believing it is the socially accepted thing to
do. A multitude of factors, both inherited and environmental, influence the development of health-related behaviors, and it is beyond the scope of this text to discuss all these factors as they may affect any given individual. However, the decision to adopt a particular health-related behavior is usually one of personal choices. There are healthy choices and there are unhealthy choices. In discussing the morals of personal choice, Fries and Crapo drew a comparison. They suggest that to knowingly give oneself over to a behavior that has a statistical probability of shortening life is similar to attempting suicide. Thus, for those individuals who are interested in preserving both the quality and quantity of life, personal health choices should reflect those behaviors that are associated with a statistical probability of increased vitality and longevity. |