Connections - Some Causes and Effects

In science, we are always looking for cause and effect to learn about how the universe works. The same goes for the field of healing and medicine. It is also true of social and political policies that affect our lives. Human behavior is a prime example.

- Nov. 2017

Some cause and effect is immediate and there is no question about the link. For example, fire causes pain. If someone touches fire, the hand will automatically retract due to our senses. Instinctively, for survival, our body senses heat and pain and react swiftly. It is a self defense mechanism.

Some cause and effect is not so obvious. Drinking alcohol causes you to loose the ability to think and react. Especially if you drink in small quantities and mixed with food. You might think you are fine but your blood alcohol level can rise and at some point, you become impaired. You get into your car and start driving and 99% of the time, it is fine. The 1% of the time, when something unusual happen on the road, your reaction time is slowed by a fraction of a second and you get into an accident. This has been repeated many times with tragic consequences. That is why we have laws that say you can't drink and drive. DUI is a punishable offense.

Accidents will happen regardless. That is why we have insurance. Some accidents cannot be avoided. However, DUI is something that can be prevented. The cause and effect is well documented.

What else are causes and effects that may not be so obvious but true never the less?

Single Parenthood and Poverty - It is no secret that a single parent, regardless of divorce or by choice, has a lower income than a two parent family.

Religous attendance and Happiness - Polls have shown people who attend church regularly have a better outlook on life and are happier.

Marriage and Longevity - Statistics have shown people who are married or in a relationship live longer.

Education and Income - The higher amount of education a person has, the higher his income.

Obesity and Diet - A person on diets generally will have a higher averge weight. The science is that body metabolism changes based on food intake.

Illegal Immigration leads to lower wages - In a free economy, supply and demand rules. When there is an over supply of labor, the wages drop.

Sometimes, connections are a way to educate people. When the cause and effect is known, the consequences of behavior is a result of personal choices. We make decisions everyday that affect our lives. Our choices in voting can also have long term implications for all of us.