Final answer:
Individuals have the power to choose behaviors that are beneficial or harmful to their health. Lifestyle choices, such as activity level and diet, contribute significantly to the prevention of noninfectious diseases and to the improvement of overall life expectancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals can make the decision to adopt behaviors that are health enhancing or disease producing. Behavioral risk factors for noninfectious diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cancer can often be avoided through healthier lifestyle choices. For instance, by engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a balanced diet, people can significantly reduce the likelihood of these diseases.
Furthermore, societal interventions, including laws restricting the use of tobacco, have demonstrated efficacy in mitigating the incidence of diseases like lung cancer. The modification of personal habits that negatively impact health outcomes, such as inactivity or poor dietary choices, is vital in enhancing life expectancy and reducing the burden of noninfectious diseases.
Despite the challenges in distinguishing the effects of personal behaviors versus healthcare expenditures on health outcomes, it is clear that personal preferences in diet, exercise, and risk avoidance play a pivotal role in determining longevity and quality of life.