Here’s a Chart detailing the probabilities that you’ll die in one way or another:
Notice that the probability of death by any cause=1. Not surprising. But, the next one down is where you should focus.
Death by heart disease is 1/5. That is, you have a 1/5 chance of dying from something you probably could have prevented. Next is cancer, 1/7. Since many forms of cancer are caused or increased by things like smoking, heavy drinking, lack of exercise, and poor diet, we again are causing our own demise.
The point is, if you want to live a long and vigorous life, take a look at the LEADING causes of death, and do everything you can to prevent those. Then work your way down. Avoiding death by “fireworks discharge”(1/340,733) is important, for sure, but I’d worry about your heart first.
Very true. I was just having similar thoughts on my blog about modifiable factors vs. genetics factors of the leading causes of death in the US.