Editorial Board
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Mike Jackson, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator
Department of Community Health and Health Services Management
Western Illinois University (1995-present)
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Karl L. Larson, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Physical Education
University of Southern Indiana
Evansville, IN 47712
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Michael Pejsach, Ed.D., CHES
President
Life&Health Enhancement Services
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   "billions served!"
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Theory of Dumbness
Ever find yourself muttering, under your breath of course, "How stupid can one get?" The purpose of this web page is to get at the real life issue of stupidity and health behavior. Stupid is as stupid acts. "The stupids are directlycorrelated to issues such as self-indulgence, self-centeredness, denial and excuses. Forget beliefs about severity, seriousness, attitudes and the value of attitudes of others. It's all about stupidity, we'll call it 'dumb' human behavior." - M Pejsach
Pejsach's unscientific research shows that folks who choose the wrong health behavior (a risky or unhealthy act) "know" better. These folks "know" that they have chosen the wrong behaviors (i.e.;, smoking, eating high fat foods all the time). Yet, because of a certain level of denial ("cigarettes can't hurt me;" "I can quite anytime;" "my mother made me do it;" etc.), level of self-centeredness ("I deserve it;" "no one is going to tell me what I can and can't do;" "so what if my exhaled smoke gets in your face ---get out of the way;" etc.), and a number of excuses ("I need it;" "I want it;" "I can quite anytime;" et al), they act out in dangerous, risky and often unhealthy ways. We all know that risky behavior (i.e., not wearing seat belts) is just plain stupid!
There are three criterion related to TOD: degree of denial, degree of being self-centered, and the number of excuses stated. Uncontrollable factors include hormonal levels and, quite possibly, age and socioeconomic (not income, class) factors. Degree of seriousness, susceptibility, their own values, behavioral control issues, and/or their attitudes of valued others, have been shown to play a secondary role in determining healthy or unhealthy behaviors. Observing and measuring the criterion as it relates to risky health behavior has shown that the Theory of Dumbness (Stupidity) is a viable theory under which professionals should base intervention programs.
Click here to continue with Dumb Theory.
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Quotes of the Month
"It's lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believed in myself."
*Muhammad Ali*
 
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Go To Health!
Want to get your Education for Health idea on the Web without a web server? The Center of Excellence in Education for Health (CEEH) and the Health Education Electronic Forum (HEEF) are promoting a "Synergy in Health Education Opportunity" this summer @ http://healthbehavior.com. You can set up your program on the "health behavior.com" web server at no cost! The folks at CEEH/HEEF even throw in a personal web page on the CEEH Web database.
"We decided to offer low cost and free services on the CEEH/HEEF for two simple reasons. One: we know that we all have limited resources; and, Two, we know that if we truly practice what we preach and share resources, we can help each and each can benefit." Dr. Michael Pejsach, CEEH Webmaster, said. "One for all and all for one," he added.
Dr. Pejsach can be reached at 504 885-5425 (voice/fax) for more information.
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