Six critical adolescent health behaviors have been identified as primary contributors to health-related death and disability among adults and youth: 

• Alcohol and other drug use
• Injury and violence
• Smoking
• Nutritional intake
• Physical activity  
• Sexual behaviors that contribute to unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

In addition to causing serious health problems, these behaviors also contribute to the educational and social problems that confront states and the nation, including failure to complete high school, unemployment and crime.  Click on the links below and on the right for policy resources on school health.

A variety of meetings designed for state legislators highlighted innovative solutions to adolescent and school health issues. Click the links below for more information.

• Creating a Culture of Wellness (2008)
• Innovation and Collaboration in Wellness (2007)
• Prevention of Childhood Obesity (2007)
• CSG's Spring Committee & Task Force Meetings (2007)
• Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors: Childhood and Beyond (2006)
• Transforming Science into Policy for a Healthier Nation (2006)
• Building Healthier Communities for our Youth and Adults (2006)

School Wellness Policies: Nutrition and Physical Activity
This Web cast examined Childhood Obesity Issues for State Policymakers.  Part of an initiative funded by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, they offered a closer look at the growing epidemic of childhood obesity.  Innovative policies and programs to improve child nutrition and physical activity were also analyzed and addressed.