odds of dying -- interesting chart

[Sheldon J]

those damned fireworks should be banned immediately

But every year the NFPA takes up the ban the Fireworks triad, they make it sound like if you light a sparkler you will go up in smoke, kind of sound like the Brady Bunch.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Hopyard]

Interesting- The neat thing is that in almost all categories there are things that can greatly improve one's chances.

Stroke and heart disease; keep blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol all under control. Get carotid arteries screened for plaque. Get a stress test.

Car accident-- wear seat belts; don't speed; avoid driving at night or in inclement weather; don't drink and drive

suicide-- seek medical help for those thoughts

falling--except for construction workers, most deaths due to falls are in the elderly. Minor changes to flooring, shoes, bathrooms, and exercise patterns can make a difference. So can paying attention to where you are going. My dad didn't look, and walked right off the edge of a "loading dock" like balcony in back of his new apartment. At least he was enjoying his cigar and the sky, was blowing smoke rings when he went over.

firearm assault-- situational awareness

Pedestrian accident-- don't jaywalk

motorcycle accident---umm, we've all seen them weaving in and out at excessive speeds in the rain yet.

Sadly, cancer is about the only thing on the list where we lack real good ways to improve our odds. But even here, colonoscopies, prostate screening, mammography, dental checkups, can all improve the odds of survival--sometimes even cure.