A recent poll on children’s health issues shows drug abuse now equals that of childhood obesity. 

 

University of Michigan’s Mott Children’s Hospital recently released its 2011 report on the top 10 health concerns for kids. The poll found that childhood obesity and drug abuse were equally the number one overall concern at 33%. Director of the National Poll on Children’s Health, Dr. Matthew Davis, stated the finding of this poll “matches recent national data showing an increasing use of marijuana and other drugs by US teens.” 

 

The poll further broke down results according to race and ethnicity. Among African Americans, drug abuse and childhood obesity topped the list of concerns at 44% each. Hispanics see drug abuse among youth as an even greater concern at 49%, while teen pregnancy and childhood obesity followed behind equally at 44%. Caucasian participants were lower, with childhood obesity topping the list at 30% followed by drug abuse at 28%. 

 

With more frequent incidents of marijuana and prescription drug abuse, parents and community leaders now see drug abuse among youth as a concerning health issue. 

 

To read more go to: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/08/15/3838493/drug-abuse-now-equals-childhood.html

 

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