Student Health and Report Cards

          With report cards coming out and another academic year coming to a close, I thought it would be apropos to call attention to the clear association between academic achievement and health risk behaviors. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is a plethora of information regarding not just disease but also studying trends in American culture, which may contribute to the health of US citizens of all ages.

          Did you know that adolescent academic success has a direct link to adolescent health? Factors such as substance abuse (alcohol, illegal and prescription drugs), violence, tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy eating habits and sexual activity are health risk behaviors associated with student grades. Academic success is an indicator of overall well being in youngsters and this success is a primary predictor and determinant of adult health outcomes. Students with better grades are less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as sex, illegal and prescription drug use, just to name a few items. The web address for a full listing of grades and associated health risk behaviors can be found at:

          www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/health_and_academics/index.htm

            The CDC closely monitors risky behaviors via the National Youth Risk Behavior Survey. This survey, which started back in 1991, was designed to identify risky behaviors that could contribute to death, disability and social problems. The survey looks at 9th-12th graders in 47 states. These students are from public and private school and they answer questions regarding all 6 topics previously mentioned.

          There is so much information regarding this study that I cannot do justice to all the data collected in 2009. The 2011 study is still on going. The study in Georgia takes place every other year in the spring. Here are some of the highlights noted in the CDC’s press release:

1. One out of five high school students stated that they had taken a prescription drug without the authorization of a health care provider. This question was introduced in 2009. Of those students who did this drug taking, 26% were 12th graders and 15% were 9th graders.
2. 72% of students in high school have used alcohol.
3. 37% of high school students have used marijuana.
4. 4.1% have used methamphetamine (meth).
5. 6.7% have used ecstasy.

 There has been no significant change in these listed percentages as compared to the 2007 study.

    The Good News is the following:

1. Drinking soda has decreased from 34% (2007) to 29% (2009) for those who drink at least one soda per day.
2. An increase in fruit and fruit juice intake was noted from 30% (2003) to 34% (2009).
3. A decrease was noted in diet pills, powders and liquids use from 9% (2001) to 5% (2009).
4. A decrease in laxative use and vomiting was seen. In 2003, it was 6% and decreased in 2009 to 4%.     

         The Bad News is that 82% of high school students did not have 60 minutes of physical activity daily.

To read more about the results of the 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Study, check out their web site at

www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/ss/ss5905,pdf

     I encourage all parents and caregivers when looking at a report card to assess not only your child’s academic performance but to consider the child’s environment. Ask the question “Can I do more to increase his/her academic performance?” We cannot expect our children to succeed if we do not fully comprehend all the variables needed in the formula for a successful child. Recognize that your consideration can have long term academic and health affects.