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Show Section VII. Behavioral Influences on Health Personal behavioral risk factors have a strong role in predicting someone's physical condition. Behavioral influences on health include: exercise, obesity, substance abuse, alcohol use, drinking and driving, tobacco use, and seat belt use. In addition to these risk factors, this section also examines the number of motor vehicle crash deaths, suicide, homicide, and violent crime in Utah. As individuals accumulate more behavioral risk factors in their everyday lives, they increase their likelihood of disease and premature morbidity and mortality. Personal preventative measures can be taken by individuals to limit their exposure to risk. Individuals can focus on improving their diet, increasing their level of physical activity, and eliminate the consumption of alcohol and tobacco in their daily lives. Communities can help by planning, initiating, supporting, and evaluating health promotion and disease prevention programs. Programs such as Healthy Utah (Division of Community and Family Health) work hard on improving the health of Utah residents through weight management programs, wellness seminars, and valuable nourishment advice. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) A majority of the data found in this section has been obtained through the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System at Centers for Disease Control. Estimates of behavioral risk factors among adults have been obtained through a cooperative between the National Center for Health Statistics and state health departments. These entities obtain information on behavioral risk through voluntary telephone surveys. These surveys collect data on the actual behaviors rather than attitudes or knowledge on risky behavior. 94 Utah's Health: An Annual Review Volume VIII |
