Question

which one of the following people has the most direct and most cost - effective opportunity to avoid developing disease or injury?
a. cathy is addicted to cigarettes
b. juan is depressed because of a recent death in the family
c. meryl has diabetes just as her mother did
d. paul lives and works in a city with poor air quality

Explanation:

Cathy's addiction to cigarettes is a behavioral choice. Quitting smoking is a direct and cost - effective way to avoid numerous diseases (such as lung cancer, heart disease) and injuries related to smoking - induced health issues. Juan's depression due to a family death is a complex emotional response that may require therapy or time, not as straightforward as quitting a harmful behavior. Meryl's diabetes may have genetic components and requires medical management rather than a simple direct and cost - effective avoidance. Paul's exposure to poor air quality is an environmental factor that he may have less direct control over compared to Cathy's ability to quit smoking.

Answer:

A. Cathy is addicted to cigarettes