Introduction          Introduction         Introduction          Introduction         

A study by the centers for disease control shows that 53% of an individual’s ability to cope with disease is determined by his lifestyle, 21% by his environment, and 10% by his physician. Thus fully 84% of the ability to cope with, and reduce the risk of disease and premature mortality is under the control of the individual and his society. Only 16% is beyond this control or determined by heredity. This percentage may further be reduced by the possibility to replace defective genes inherited from parents through genetic engineering. 

Acquiring the knowledge and skill to become an independent adult and to achieve optimum health is an individual responsibility.

 Healthful behavior; action that 1) helps prevent illness or accident 2) promotes health, yours and others and/or 3) improves the quality of the  environment.