Final answer:
A modifiable risk factor can be changed or controlled, such as smoking or unhealthy diet, while a non-modifiable risk factor cannot be changed, such as age or inherited genes.
Step-by-step explanation:
A modifiable risk factor is a risk factor that can be changed or controlled by taking certain actions or making certain lifestyle choices. Examples of modifiable risk factors include smoking, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and exposure to environmental hazards. On the other hand, a non-modifiable risk factor is a risk factor that cannot be changed or controlled, such as age, gender, and inherited genes.
It is important to identify both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors because they can help determine an individual's risk for developing certain noninfectious diseases. By identifying these risk factors, healthcare professionals can provide appropriate recommendations and interventions to prevent or manage these diseases.