Survey finds risky behaviors among suburban teens

New research shows that worrisome numbers of suburban Chicago teens are engaging in risky health behaviors.

Some 40 percent of suburban public high school kids say they’ve tried cigarettes; nearly one in four has had recent sex, and more than three-fourths don’t get at least an hour of physical activity each day.

Also, 80 percent of students surveyed say they don’t eat the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables daily; and one in four is overweight or obese.

These are among findings in a survey by the Cook County Public Health Department in collaboration with Children’s Memorial Hospital. About 1,700 students in 20 suburban public high schools participated last fall.

It’s part of a nationwide effort led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.