HLTH 225 – Signature Assignment

HLTH 225 Introduction to Health Behavior
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) the top three leading causes of death for individuals 15-34
are (listed in order): unintentional injury, suicide, homicide. Let’s briefly explore unintentional injuries.
Part 1: Unintentional Injuries
Definitions: Unintentional injury
1. http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/wisqars/nonfatal/definitions.htm
Looking at the “cause of injury”, which three do you think are of the most concern to your age group.
Explain why for each. (Note: you will have to scroll down to see “cause of injury).
2. Using the resource listed below what are the leading causes of unintended death for the traditional-age
college student (15-24)? List the top 3. Think about this one, the question is asking for unintentional
causes of death not all causes of death!
https://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/index.html
Note: Click on the “Leading causes of death” and look for the chart on unintentional injuries
Part 2: Analysis of Injury data-general
3. For these questions we will examine information from the CDC’s Center for Injury Prevention and control.
http://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/overview/cost_of_injury.html
Looking at the resource above, what is the lifetime cost for injuries in the US?
Part 3: Analysis of specific causes of injury
4. http://wapo.st/1w1qgsw?tid=ss_mail&utm_term=.1b6311895471
Before answering question #4 please read the article above.
As you discovered in parts 1 and 2, the leading cause of injury related deaths for 15-24 year old is
motor vehicle crashes. Why do you think this is so?
5. https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/pdf/statecosts/md-2015costofcrashdeaths-a.pdf
MONTGOMERY COLLEGE
Department of Health Enhancement, Exercise Science and Physical Education
HLTH 225 – Signature Assignment
Click the link above then click on the box which talks about motor vehicle crashes. What is the
financial impact of traffic related deaths for the state of Maryland?
6. How do you think this cost impacts the quality of life for citizens of the state of Maryland?
7. https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/calculator/factsheet/index.html
Read the intervention factsheet listed above. In class we discussed “health protective behaviors”
which included change the law, change the way the car operates or change individual behavior (Health
Psychology 10th ed pages 68-69). Which of these themes do you see represented in the list of
interventions? Give at least three example
Part IV: Reflection:
8. Thus far in this assignment, you have discovered that unintentional injuries/accidents are the leading
cause of death for ages 1-24. You have looked at a discussion of brain development and health
protective behaviors. Put these pieces together to answer the following question: How does an
individual’s behavior impact his/her health status.
9. Considering your answer to question #5 regarding the economic impact of motor vehicle crashes as
well as your answer to question #6 about quality of life, do you think an individual has a responsibility
to society to drive safely? Why or why not? Please explain your answer (you may want to use an
example to illustrate your point).