This chapter contains information drawn from an early release of the January to June 2003 National Health Interview Survey, with estimates from 1997 through 2002 for comparison, which asks about the health behaviors of Americans—the lifestyles and health risks they assume, such as being overweight, smoking, consuming alcohol, and how they feel about their health. It also considers the effects of self-care, diet, social activities, and personal relationships on health and wellness.

Most Americans Feel Fine

When asked how they rate their own health and the health of their families, more than two-thirds of Americans report that their households enjoy very good or excellent health, and the proportion that feel this way has remained consistent from 1997 to 2001. (See Figure 10.1.) More than one-third of the survey respondents considered their families and themselves to be in...