Public and professional perceptions of the salutary effects of 17 preventive behaviors were compared via two separate telephone interviews. In absolute terms the public (n = 1254) rated the majority of the behaviors as more important than the professional sample (n = 103), although the exceptions were notable. Not smoking, wearing seatbelts, and drinking in moderation were all considered substantially less important by the public in promoting health and longevity. These results suggest that much work remains to be done in convincing the public of the health benefits of these life-saving acts.
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