What Is Health Behavior?

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Health behaviors are actions that are taken by individuals that affect the overall health of someone’s life. These behaviors range from simple daily activities such as sleep and working out, to more complex ideas and concepts such as coping mechanisms. The benefits to having positive health behaviors can result in the prevention of disease and chronic illnesses. Negative health behaviors can lead to the development of lifestyles focused on drug abuse and high risk sexual activities. These behaviors can be considered intentional or unintentional and it is important to note that behavior is easily shaped by the constructs and environment that an individual is surrounded by. These factors are known as social determinants, various and dynamic systems that continuously manipulate the life of people.