Hey Dr Sue — Why Do People Have Unprotected Sex Knowing All Of The Possible Diseases They Can Get?

This is a great question!

So often we tell people the consequences of doing/not doing something and then that’s it, we just expect that now that they’re armed with information, people will just make the “right” choice.

But it’s just not that simple.

Because what we think may be “right” may not work for them.

Think about it, how many times in a day do you so something that you know isn’t the best thing for you, but you do it anyway.

Don’t speed! Doing so will increase your risk of getting in an accident and if there is one, the injuries are more likely to be severe… but you’re not thinking about that. All you’re thinking is that you really need to get to wherever you’re going, or it’s okay because everyone around you is speeding.

Make sure you exercise! Doing so will help strengthen your muscles and improve your brain health… but what you’re thinking is that you’re not really in the mood, or that it’s miserable weather out, and if you skip today, you can always do it tomorrow (I may or may not have used these when deciding to exercise today!).

Don’t eat that (insert specific food)! It’s empty calories / high in something you…