MANY TEENS LIVE ON THE EDGE, STUDY FINDS

ATLANTA, GEORGIA -- White high school students are more likely than blacks
and Hispanics to hurt themselves with tobacco or drugs, while blacks and
Hispanics are more likely to be a threat to others by carrying weapons or
fighting, a government study has found.

The 1997 study, results of which were released Thursday by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, also found that roughly one in five
teenagers carries a weapon or drives after drinking and one in 10 has
attempted suicide.

"The lesson here is that too many youth continue to practice behaviors that
put them at risk--for injury or death now and chronic disease later," said
Laura Kann, a chief researcher for the National Center for Chronic Disease
Prevention and Health Promotion.

The survey of 16,262 teenagers looked at behavior leading to injury and
surveyed their use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs; their sexual activity;
and their physical activity.

Teens at 151 schools nationwide filled out confidential questionnaires.

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski