It might seem reasonable to assume—particularly for health care professionals—that health care is among the most important factors in determining a person's or a population's health.

It isn't.

Although health care plays an important role, it's actually a relatively weak health determinant, according to studies^1,2 cited by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). According to a KFF issue brief, research suggests that health behaviors such as smoking, diet, and exercise are the most important determinants of premature death. Furthermore, health behaviors are only one element of a much bigger picture.³