Insights \ Health Hits

Birth rates among teenagers declined for the second straight year, according to new federal report on the well-being of children and youth.

The report contained other good news: Preterm births declined for the third consecutive year, adolescent injury deaths fell, and fewer high school seniors were binge drinkers.

There was bad news as well: More 8th graders used illicit drugs, more children were living in poverty, and fewer children were living in houses where at least one parent had a full time job, according to America's Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being 2011.

The report was compiled from data that was gathered in 2009 and was provided by 22 federal agencies. Other highlights include:

Deaths before the first birthday declined from 6.6 per 1,000 births to 6.4 per 1,000 births.

The number of children ages 0-17 living in counties in which levels of one or more air pollutants were above allowable levels fell from 69 percent to 59 percent.

Mathematics scores increased two points on average for 8th graders and three points for high school seniors.

A higher percentage of children were living in poverty.