This book on the choices faced by adolescents regarding health behavior draws from recent publications of the Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development as well as from other recent reports. The book contains eight chapters. Chapter One discusses the risks that adolescents face today, including lack of attention from adults, poverty, suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, and lack of proper nutrition and exercise. Chapter Two focuses on preventive health care for adolescents. Health professionals' assessment of their training in adolescent health and their care of adolescents is discussed. Chapter Three discusses sexual behavior of adolescents and the consequences of adolescent pregnancy. Chapter Four focuses on drug and alcohol abuse and smoking. Chapter Five discusses violence, guns, and deaths from violence among adolescents. Chapter Six focuses on exercise and nutrition. Chapter Seven describes programs for youth such as 4-H and Boy Scouts. Chapter Eight discusses the social issues surrounding adolescent health and well-being. Guiding themes for adolescents in the areas of information; access to health services; motivation and support of adults; and an improved environment are presented. Recommendations are described in the areas of education; health services; media; the world of work; the continuity of development; violence and safety; and funding of health services. The appendix briefly describes some major national youth organizations. The book contains several full page black and white photographs. (ABL)