Everybody dies from something, but the most common things that cause death might surprise you. That’s why knowing what these causes are, and what to do to prevent them when possible, can drastically boost your life expectancy.

1. Choking

Think you only have to worry about choking as a cause of death in young children? Think again, as this couldn’t be further from the truth. The National Safety Council says that while choking in infants and children is common, more than half of U.S. choking deaths in 2015 were people older than 74 years of age. So learn the Heimlich maneuver, proper choking rescue strategies for infants and children, and CPR if you can.

2. Drowning

Drowning is a bigger problem than you might think, and not just for children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says in years 2005 to 2014, 3,536 unintentional drowning deaths occurred yearly in the U.S. (plus 332 boating-related deaths annually) — and just 1 on 5 people who die from drowning are kids younger than age 15. So use caution when you or your child is near or in water, and avoid swimming alone.

3. Poisoning

The U.S. News and World Report says poisoning takes about 5,000 U.S. lives yearly, and is the second leading cause of home-related accidental injury deaths. Poisoning occurs when kids ingest household cleaning products, lawn or in-home pest control agents, laundry soap, or dish soap. Poisoning can happen when mixing prescription medications with other prescription or over-the-counter medications, drugs, or alcohol. Even ingesting mega doses of vitamins, supplements, or salt can cause poisoning (especially in children). Always ask your doctor or pharmacist before mixing medications, vitamins, and other supplements.

4. Heart Disease

Heart disease is common in the United States. In fact, one in three people in the U.S. will die of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association. Ways to lower your risk include regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, eating clean (fiber-rich foods), and limiting your sodium intake.

5. Cancer

Cancer claims the lives of one in four people and is the second leading cause of death in the U.S., says the CDC. While cancer isn’t always preventable, there are things you can do to lower your risk of dying from it — like maintain a healthy weight, protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays, avoid smoking, eat a well-balanced diet packed with fruits, veggies, and whole grains, limit (or better yet avoid) processed meats, avoid excess alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, and get regular medical checkups.

6. Diabetes

Diabetes, and its complications, is a killer as well. The American Diabetes Association says while diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S., it may be under reported due to diabetes isn’t always listed on death certificates. Diabetes complications may include heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, eye problems, foot damage, hearing loss, infections, and Alzheimer’s disease. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating right, controlling blood sugar, and regular doctor visits can help you avoid complications and death from diabetes.

7. Car Accidents

It may come as no surprise that death from car accidents is a common one. The CDC says 35,398 people die annually in car accidents in the U.S. Unfortunately, you can’t always prevent automobile accidents. Drive cautiously, avoid driving after drinking or doing drugs, follow the speed limit, don’t drive at night when overtired, and avoid driving in severe weather conditions to help lower your risk.

8. Drug Overdose

Drug overdose, whether it be intentional or accidental, is more common than you might think. The American Society of Addiction Medicine says drug overdose is actually the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Common drugs involved in overdose deaths include heroin and prescription pain relievers.

9. Suicide

Suicide rates are slowly climbing in the U.S., believe it or not. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports that 44,193 Americans die yearly (121 suicides daily) from suicide (almost 50 percent of these deaths are from firearms), but says actual numbers might be even higher. So take suicide seriously. If you (or a friend or loved one) have suicidal thoughts, seek help immediately.

10. Falls

It’s common to die from falls, especially if you’re an older adult. The U.S. News and World Report says falls are the leading cause of unintentional home injury deaths. Fortunately, there are ways to lower your risk of dying from falls at home. Install grab bars in showers and baths, avoid stairs, and keep a life alert system with you at all times (around your neck, wrist, etc.).

11. Alzheimer’s disease

In the U.S., Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death, according to the Alzheimer’s Association; in people ages 65 and older, it’s the fifth leading cause of death. The Alzheimer’s Association also says deaths from Alzheimer’s disease increased 71 percent in the past decade, and it’s the only U.S. cause of death (in the top 10) that can’t be slowed, prevented, or cured.

There are numerous ways to die, and some causes of death are the culprit more often than you think. That’s why knowing how to lower your risk of dying from common things is a must.

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