QUALITIES OF LIFE, CAPE GIRARDEAU; SPECIAL REPORT: HEALTH; CITY, COUNTY HEALTH ASSESSMENT STABLE

Health indicators compiled by the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce show the city and county health issues receiving a fairly stable bill of health.

Infant morality rates and low birthweights for infants are down, residents are dying at an older age, and most are maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Services offering prenatal care and programs for the aging population that emphasize prophylactic intervention are apparently available and accessible in the Cape Girardeau and Cape Girardeau County.

Although the overall picture of health is good Cape Girardeau and Cape Girardeau County, concern does lie in the lifestyle trends of its teen-agers. Experts said there is an upward trend in drug and alcohol use among teens.

Eighty-five percent of surveyed teen-agers in Cape Girardeau said they have tried alcohol one or more times, and marijuana use is up.

AIDS is still a concern even though indicators show a downward trend.

Experts in all health-indicator areas agree that education, which stresses self-discipline and moderation, is the key to a healthier community.