The results of a national survey conducted by Louis Harris and Associates for "Prevention" Magazine on American health practices are presented in this report. The following topics are covered: (1) changes in health-promoting behavior 1984-1987; (2) steps people take, or fail to take, for better health; (3) exercise and weight control by adults; (4) children's exercise and weight; (5) diet and nutrition; (6) nonsmoking and restricted use of alcohol and drugs; (7) control of stress; (8) safety precautions; (9) periodic medical exams and tests; (10) who practices health habits and safety precautions; (11) key attitudes related to preventive behavior; (12) outside influences for better health habits; and (13) health status and health outcomes. Appended are procedures for computing the Prevention Index, a note on the survey methods, and a personal Prevention Profile. Numerous tables are included. (JD)