Define and describe the different types of risk factors.

Answer:

Risk factors are characteristics, behaviors, or conditions that increase the chance of developing a disease or being injured. Behavioral risk factors come from choices, such as smoking or being inactive. Environmental risk factors come from a person’s surroundings, such as pollution or unsafe conditions. Hereditary risk factors are inherited through family genes. Some risk factors can be changed, while others—such as age and inherited traits—cannot.