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Survey: Nebraska Kids Engaging in Less Risky Behavior
Tuesday, August 7, 2012    
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A survey by state health officials finds Nebraska's high school students are engaging in less risky behavior than in years past.

That list includes things like using tobacco or alcohol and driving while impaired. Dr. Joann Schaefer, the state's chief medical officer, says some of the figures were the best in years.

Dr. Joann Schaefer: 

Cigarette smoking fell from 29% in 1991 to 15% in the latest survey, while alcohol use dropped from 53% to 27%. In 1991, those who admitted drinking and driving were 23%, and it fell to 7% in the latest round.

On the downside, the survey found only about half of students get the recommended amount of physical activity and fewere than one in five (17%) consume fruits and vegetables five or more times per day. The study found half of students spend three or more hours on an average school day watching television, playing video games, or using the computer for non-school work. Also, nearly half of students admitted they texted, talked on cell phones or e-mailed while driving.

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