Health

Being young doesn't mean being healthy

Many young adults lose insurance coverage and forgo preventive care, a new report finds.

By Susan J. Landers — Posted March 10, 2009

Print  |   Email  |   Respond  |   Reprints  |   Like Facebook  |   Share Twitter  |   Tweet Linkedin

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).

Back to top


ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISE HERE


Featured
Read story

Confronting bias against obese patients

Medical educators are starting to raise awareness about how weight-related stigma can impair patient-physician communication and the treatment of obesity. Read story


Read story

Goodbye

American Medical News is ceasing publication after 55 years of serving physicians by keeping them informed of their rapidly changing profession. Read story


Read story

Policing medical practice employees after work

Doctors can try to regulate staff actions outside the office, but they must watch what they try to stamp out and how they do it. Read story


Read story

Diabetes prevention: Set on a course for lifestyle change

The YMCA's evidence-based program is helping prediabetic patients eat right, get active and lose weight. Read story


Read story

Medicaid's muddled preventive care picture

The health system reform law promises no-cost coverage of a lengthy list of screenings and other prevention services, but some beneficiaries still might miss out. Read story


Read story

How to get tax breaks for your medical practice

Federal, state and local governments offer doctors incentives because practices are recognized as economic engines. But physicians must know how and where to find them. Read story


Read story

Advance pay ACOs: A down payment on Medicare's future

Accountable care organizations that pay doctors up-front bring practice improvements, but it's unclear yet if program actuaries will see a return on investment. Read story


Read story

Physician liability: Your team, your legal risk

When health care team members drop the ball, it's often doctors who end up in court. How can physicians improve such care and avoid risks? Read story

  • Stay informed
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • LinkedIn