When we are born, the doctor doesn’t stamp an expiration date on our foot. We don’t have a calculator to figure out how long we will live. We don’t have a watch to keep track of the time we have left. And I don’t believe we should. How can you enjoy life when you are constantly worrying about how much of it you have left? Still, you may have to consider the actions you may take that can steal that precious time from you.

Since 1980, the life expectancy of Americans has become progressively better. Yet, even though America spends more per person on health care than any other country, we have one of the highest rates of infant mortality, homicides, teen pregnancy, drug-related deaths, obesity, and disabilities in the world. America does rank well in other health measures. The United States has higher cancer survival rates, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and lower smoking rates than almost nations.

It's simple to blame our health care system for our failures. Lower income and less educated people frequently get poorer care. Citizens of our country are more likely to find care inaccessible or unaffordable. But here’s another theory for the country's rising health drawback: Though Americans know what's beneficial for them, few take advantage of that knowledge. We are less likely to smoke and drink heavily than other nations, but we consume more calories, have higher frequencies of drug abuse, are less likely to use seat belts, and are more likely to use guns in acts of violence.

Our society is built around automobiles, discouraging physical activity, and increasing traffic accidents. Contraceptives are only accessible by prescription. Even stress could play a role, by enlarging our waistlines, increasing the chances of both substance abuse and criminal behavior. So what can we do? Instead of waiting for research, we can make changes now by listening to advice about healthy diets and exercise, or making sure to wear our seat belt. We can take action now, before we become just another statistic.