Health Indicators, Leading

1. Physical Activity

Physical activity is an important leading health indicator because it is crucial for maintaining a healthy body, enhancing psychological well-being, and preventing early death. In 1997, 63% of adolescents engaged in the recommended amount of daily physical activities: about 20 minutes of vigorous physical activity, 3 or more days per week. During the same year, 15% of adults engaged in the recommended amount of activity: 30 minutes of moderate daily physical activity, 5 or more days per week. The goal is to increase the proportion of the nation's adolescents and adults who engage in daily physical activities.

2. Overweight and Obesity

Being overweight and obese are major contributors to many preventable diseases (e.g., heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and hypertension). Higher body weights are also associated with higher mortality rates. Objectives for the future are to reduce the proportion of children, adolescents, and adults who are overweight and obese. Efforts to maintain a healthy weight must start in childhood.

3. Tobacco Use

Cigarette smoking is the single most preventable cause of disease and death in the United States: Smoking results in more deaths each year than AIDS, alcohol, cocaine, heroin, homicide, suicide, motor vehicle crashes, and fires combined. Objectives for the future are to reduce smoking rates in adolescents and adults.

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