The top six killers in America

Unintentional Injury (36,534 deaths): The most common type of unintentional injury is car accidents, many of them due to drunk driving. Other fatal accidents include falling, drowning, poisoning and accidental shootings.

Malignant Neoplasms (19,007 deaths): This is also known as cancer. There is no cure for cancer, but studies have shown ways to reduce your risk. Don't smoke, and eat lots of vegetables. Try to avoid saturated fats, and eat more vegetable-based fats like olive oil. Receiving regular screening for cervical and testicular cancers, which are the most fatal types of cancers for young adults and can be treated if spotted early, is also important.

Heart Disease (14,836 deaths): Nutrition is the key to having a healthy heart. Avoid excessive amounts of fast food. Edward Creagan, an oncologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, also advises at least 30 minutes of walking a day, weight training twice weekly and daily stretching for all major muscle groups.

Suicide (13,890 deaths): Maintaining healthy friendships and relationships lowers stress and depression and reduces the risk of committing suicide. Exercise can relieve depression.

Homicide (11,319 deaths): There is no "healthy" method to avoid homicide, but by being careful and safe, you can reduce your risk of getting killed. For instance, walk in groups of friends, avoid gang encounters, and try not to be outside alone at night.

HIV (7,913 deaths): The AIDS virus is spread through blood and bodily fluids shared during sexual activity or through the sharing of needles. The Baltimore/Washington, D.C., area has the highest concentration of HIV-infected persons in the U.S. Those who have more than one sexual partner should be screened for HIV every six months. Ways to help protect yourself against HIV/AIDS include practicing abstinence, having a monogamous sexual relationship and using condoms.

Information compiled from the Washington Post