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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — More North Carolina children are getting health coverage and avoiding asthma and dental problems, but the latest annual child health report card also raises alarms about youth obesity, suicide and cigarette and illegal drug use.
The North Carolina Institute of Medicine and the group NC Child released Monday the 2014 report while observing the report's 20th anniversary. The authors examined data in 16 areas and graded on an A-to-F scale based in part on recent trends.
There were two A's for environmental and dental health and 5 D's on weight and physical activity, child poverty and mental health among others.
The groups said there's overall good news: a child in North Carolina born today is half as likely to die before age 1 compared to one born in the 1990s.
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NC Child Health Report Card: http://bit.ly/1E6Hj11
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