CDC Areas of Risk

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified 6 areas of risk that confront children and adolescents today. CDC's National Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) monitors these 6 categories of health-risk behaviors among youth:

• Behaviors that contribute to unintentional injuries and violence
• Sexual behaviors that contribute to unintended pregnancy and STDs, including HIV
• Tobacco use
• Alcohol and other drug use
• Unhealthy dietary behaviors
• Inadequate physical activity

In addition to these key risk behaviors, HealthSmart covers mental/emotional health and personal health and wellness, two other areas identified by CDC as essential parts of a skills-based health education program.