In this chapter, you will be learning about diseases and how to prevent them. Before you begin reading, take the following quiz to assess your current disease prevention habits.

Healthy Choices

1. Do you regularly wash your hands with soap and water?

   1. Yes
   2. No
2. Do you practice respiratory etiquette, including covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing?

   1. Yes
   2. No
3. Do you store the appropriate foods in the refrigerator or freezer to slow or stop the growth of microorganisms?

   1. Yes
   2. No
4. Do you make sure that any meat you eat has been cooked thoroughly?

   1. Yes
   2. No
5. Do you wash fruits and vegetables before eating, peeling, or cutting open?

   1. Yes
   2. No
6. Do you receive the recommended vaccines, including an annual flu vaccine?

   1. Yes
   2. No
7. Do you eat a healthy diet, engage in regular physical activity, and avoid tobacco and alcohol to prevent heart disease?

   1. Yes
   2. No
8. Do you know the preventable risk factors for different types of common cancers?

   1. Yes
   2. No
9. Do you get regular screenings and physical examinations to increase the possibility of treating diseases in their early stages?

   1. Yes
   2. No
10. Are you aware that abstinence is the only 100 percent effective method for preventing STIs?

    1. Yes
    2. No
11. Do you know of community resources that are available for the treatment of STIs?

    1. Yes
    2. No
12. Are you aware of the hazards associated with unsterilized needles?

    1. Yes
    2. No
13. Count your “Yes” and “No” responses.
    
    
14. Total Yes:
    
    
15. Total No: 
    
    
16. The more “Yes” responses you have, the more healthy disease prevention habits you exhibit. Now, take a closer look at the questions with which you responded “No.” How can you make these healthy habits part of your daily life? Think about how implementing these ideas can help improve your physical health and wellness.