1996 Health Status Survey - Lifestyle Factors in Utah

It is clear from research that choices people make about health behaviors can substantially increase or decrease their risk of life threatening conditions including heart disease, cancer, and injuries. Public health efforts to prevent chronic disease encourage people to eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in fat, get regular exercise, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and not smoke. Excessive alcohol consumption also increases risk of injury especially of motor vehicle crash, the leading cause of death for young people. Healthy behaviors are of benefit to individuals, and due to the high prevalence of heart disease, stroke and cancer, small changes in lifestyle choices of individuals can have a large impact on the overall health of a population. The purpose of this report is to identify the prevalence of selected behaviors that are important determinants of health for the people of Utah, based on results of the 1996 Health Status Survey.