Risk

The Merriam Webster dictionary defines risk as the possibility that something bad or unpleasant (such as an injury or a loss) will happen.

Risk factors are those things that increase the likelihood of injury.  There are two types of risk factors that you will learn about. They are the controllable and uncontrollable risk factors that apply to injuries. 

Controllalbe Risks

Controllable risk factors are any behavior or action that you can change. For Example:

• Do you wear a seat belt when riding in a car?
• Do you wear pads when skateboarding?
• Do you drink and drive?
• Do you get into frequent arguments that lead to altercations?
• Do you get into a car with a driver who has been drinking?
• Do you have unsafe sex?

Question for Reflection: What are other things you have control over that could lead to injury?

Uncontrollable Risks

Uncontrollable risk factors are those things that you can not change. They include:

• Gender: Even though men are diagnosed with breast cancer, women are more likely to be diagnosed than men.
• Age: Even though people break bones at every age, the elderly are more likely to break a hip.
• Genetics: Even though most families are at risk for disease, some families are more susceptible to specific diseases, such as sickle cell anemia
• Wrong place at the wrong time: Even though most people do not have car accidents, car accidents happen when people are sitting at red lights, have their seat belts on, and have not been drinking.

Question for Reflection: Can you think of other examples for each of these risk categories?