Being young doesn't mean being healthy

An annual snapshot of the health of the nation's population, taken by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics, includes a troubling close-up of young adults age 18 to 29.

This age group is increasingly obese, has high injury rates and lacks health insurance coverage, compared with older adults, according to "Health, United States, 2008," the 32nd annual edition of the report, which is prepared as a tool for federal policymakers. It's an instrument that could prove especially useful in coming years as health system reform is a priority for the Obama administration, as well as for the AMA.

The years from 18 to 29 are considered a transition to adulthood, note the report's authors. But during this time, young adults may lose eligibility for coverage under their parents' insurance plan or a government program. This break happens just as young adults are beginning to assume increasing responsibility for their own health.

The authors also note that despite educational campaigns that emphasize the hazards of smoking and drinking, trends in cigarette use and alcohol consumption among this age group have changed little in the past decade.

More than one-quarter of young adult men and one-fifth of young women smoke, according to 2006 data. Nearly one-quarter of young men and 9% of young women report consuming five or more drinks in a day on at least 12 days in the past year.

In addition, young adults may consider themselves to be invincible. However, in 2005, more than 47,000 deaths occurred in this age group, with three-quarters taking place among young men. Unintentional injuries were by far the leading cause of death. Young adults also have the highest rate of injury-related emergency department visits.

And this age group does not always remain disease-free. Fifteen percent reported they had been diagnosed with arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, heart disease or hypertension during 2004-2006.

Since they often lack health insurance, many young adults forgo dental care, eye exams and other screening tests, as well as skipping prescription medications that could help keep them healthy.

The report contains 151 data tables and information on all age groups in addition to the special section on young adults. The researchers collected their data from multiple public and private sources. It is available online (link).