Table: Examples of Risk Factors for Health Problems

Examples of Risk Factors for Health Problems

Category	Risk Factors
Diet Overview of Nutrition Nutrition is the process of consuming, absorbing, and using nutrients needed by the body for growth, development, and maintenance of life. To receive adequate, appropriate nutrition, people... read more	Eating an unbalanced, unhealthy diet
Genetic Genes and Chromosomes Genes are segments of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) that contain the code for a specific protein that functions in one or more types of cells in the body. Chromosomes are structures within cells... read more	Family predisposition to specific disease, such as heart disease, colon cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, diabetes, mental health disorders, and substance abuse
Mental health Overview of Mental Illness Mental health (psychiatric or psychologic) disorders involve disturbances in thinking, emotion, and/or behavior. Small disturbances in these aspects of life are common, but when such disturbances... read more	Stressful situations such as A new job Difficulty at work Death of a loved one Not getting sufficient sleep Getting married or divorced
Physical activity Benefits of Exercise Regular exercise makes the heart stronger and the lungs fitter, enabling the cardiovascular system to deliver more oxygen to the body with every heartbeat and the pulmonary system to increase... read more	Sedentary lifestyle (not getting enough exercise)
Physical environment	Failure to maintain a safe environment, which would include the following: For all people: Failing to keep firearms secured, not using bicycle helmets and seat belts, not having working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in the home, and not having heating systems and fireplaces inspected and cleaned periodically For children: Not using child safety seats, bicycle helmets, flame-retardant sleepwear, and window and chair guards; not assessing the home for leaded paint and removing if applicable; and not safely storing drugs and toxic substances For older adults: Not removing or correcting hazards that can cause falls (such as loose throw rugs and dim lighting)
Race and sex	Men: Higher risk of heart attack than women Black men: Higher risk of high blood pressure than white men
Social environment	Neighborhood violence Family violence High-risk sexual behavior (such as having several partners or not using condoms) Difficulty getting along with others
Substance use Illicit Drugs and Intoxicants	Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes Chewing tobacco Using illegal drugs Misusing alcohol or prescription drugs
Vaccinations Overview of Immunization Immunization (vaccination) helps the body defend itself against diseases caused by certain bacteria or viruses. Immunity (the ability of the body to defend itself against diseases caused by... read more	Not having received all recommended vaccinations
Weight Obesity Obesity is excess body weight. Obesity is influenced by a combination of factors, which usually results in consuming more calories than the body needs. These factors may include physical inactivity... read more	Weight that is above what is recommended for height and sex, particularly by 20% or more
Work environment	Working with potential toxins (for example, asbestos or ionizing radiation), machinery, power tools, farm equipment, and other possibly dangerous objects