HEALTH : Decline Noted in Teens’ Health
Teen-agers are less healthy than their parents were at the same age due to increases in alcohol and drug abuse, violence and sexually transmitted diseases, a blue-ribbon panel said today.
The National Commission on the Role of the School and the Community in Improving Adolescent Health recommended that teen-age health clinics be set up in every community with services available to all, regardless of ability to pay.
It also said there is an urgent need for schools to offer better health services and health classes.
“Never before has one generation of American teen-agers been less healthy, less cared for, or less prepared for life than their parents were at the same age,” the commission said.
“The state of adolescent health in America constitutes a national emergency. Adolescents in every neighborhood are displaying serious health problems,” it said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
