America's Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2019

Health

The World Health Organization defines health as a "state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." This section presents indicators of several aspects or determinants of child health. Some relate to birth outcomes, such as preterm birth, low birthweight, and infant mortality. Others describe key health conditions, including emotional or behavioral difficulties, adolescent depression, obesity, and asthma. An indicator on activity limitation gauges the effect of chronic health conditions on children's functioning and another compares children's food intake with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.