Public health officials have been very successful in communicating the important message that smoking is harmful to our health. But have you thought of other lifestyle choices that can be similarly damaging? Drug and alcohol abuse, unprotected sex, engaging in dangerous sports or other physical activities, excessive sun exposure, and failing to use your seat belt when driving are all examples of lifestyle choices that are potentially dangerous.
Recognizing that we can't eliminate all possible dangers, living mindfully is perhaps the best defense against such poor choices. We have the privilege of being able to make choices in the actions we take. Tuning in to the consequences of those actions to ourselves and those we care about is often effective in steering us towards the healthier options.