In the first half of the last century people were too busy trying to survive to worry about health as much we do today, much less about how we might practice healthier habits in order to prevent disease. Progress that did occur was brought about through the organization of unions in the workplace, legislatures, and public health ordinances. Toward the end of the century, in 1990, the Healthy People 2000 report made a call to work toward a culture that actively promotes responsible behavior and the "adoption of life-styles that are maximally conducive to good health (USDHHS, 1990). Since that time, there is more and more concrete evidence indicating that practicing healthy habits can significantly decrease our chances of developing chronic disease. Therefore, of all the health determinants that we have discussed, lifestyle factors are among the most controllable and influential factors influencing our health.

Author: Diane Wilson, USA

From “Lifestyle Factors and the Prevention Movement” www.pitt.edu/~super1/lecture/lec4231/006.htm

Additionally, prevention of injuries with safer products, use of seat belts and child seats, awareness of safety in the home, smoke detectors, etc. have saved many lives and much injury over the course of the 20^th century.