Health is strongly linked to education and income:
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Good health allows children to learn better and adults to increase their income through consistent, productive work.
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Health problems often lead to increased school absences (a predictor of dropping out of high school) among children, as well as increased on-the-job absences by adults (a leading contributor to wage loss and job instability).
To further connect the dots, entry level and lower paying jobs are often without health benefits. A lack of health care coverage often means primary care - so important to preventing or treating illness before it becomes more serious - is an unattainable luxury. A serious illness with no or insufficient health insurance has driven thousands of Americans into financial crisis. 50% of bankruptcies in 2005 and 2006 were caused by medical debt.
Key markers contribute to healthy progression through life:
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a normal birth weight
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preventative health care beginning in earliest childhood
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avoiding risky behaviors
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moderate exercise and diet as a youth and adult
Only 34% of youth and 35% of adults are considered healthy and avoiding risky behaviors according the most recent survey by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
United Way of Reno County is focusing on improving health:
United Way's
% of Youth/Adults Who are Healthy & Avoiding Risky Behavior National Goal
| Year | 1999 | 2001 | 2003 | 2005 | 2018 |
|
% of Youth who are healthy &
avoiding risky behavior |
34% | 33% | 30% | 34% | 45% |
|
% of Adults who are healthy &
avoiding risky behavior |
37% | 39% | 39% | 35% | 47% |
"As we approach our goals for Healthy People 2020, United Way will be an important partner in creating strong local relationships to address the prevention of risky behaviors and the root causes of poor health outcomes and disparities among groups." - Dr. Janet Collins, National Center for Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
ironic that underweight babies are a concern when America is simultaneously worried about obesity among children and adults, but low birthweight (5 pounds, 8 ounces or less) can lead to developmental problems later in life.
The number of babies born at low birthweight increased over the last 10 years, to 8.2%, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. That's 1 in 12 babies. 
health care (such as immunizations, physicals and non-emergency treatment). Those with health insurance are more likely to receive regular care. The percentage of children with health coverage has increased slighly, but data from the Census Population Survey of the U.S. Census Bureau show that almost 12% (one in eight) of America's children do not have insurance coverage.