Family income rises with each higher level of education for both men
and women from every ethnic and racial background. Life expectancy,
too, is related to family income. People with lower incomes tend to die at
younger ages than people from more affluent homes.What all this means
is that health is a factor of wealth and education, both of which need to
be improved for all Americans if the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit
of happiness is to include an equal chance for good health.
The health of young people is further threatened by violent death
and injury, alcohol and drug abuse, unwanted pregnancies, and sexually
transmitted diseases. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable because
they are beginning to explore their own sexuality and perhaps to
experiment with drugs and alcohol.We need to educate young people
to avoid serious dangers to their health. The price of neglect is high.