Indicators

CHILD HEALTH Despite tremendous advances in public health, almost 12 million children are uninsured; the highest percentages are in Texas and Arizona

Children 18 and younger, average 1996-98

Less than 10% HI SD NE KS MN IA WI MI PA VT MA RI

10% to 14.9% AK WA OR MT WY UT CO ND MO IL IN OH TN WV VA MD DE CT NH ME

15% to 19.9% CA ID NM OK MS AL GA FL SC NC KY NJ NY

20% or more NV AZ TX LA AR

Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, March Current Population Survey, 1997 to 1999. Calculations by Children's Defense Fund

ONLINE SURFERS Gen Y and older adult users are growing the fastest

--Growth in visitors Jan. to Dec. 1999

45 TO 64-YEAR OLDS 18.4% 18 TO 24 17.9% 35 TO 44 6.8% 25 TO 34 6.2%

Source: Media Metrix

DRIVING HABITS More than 76% of all drivers engaged in at least one distracting activity while driving

--Caused/nearly caused an accident

SPILLING COFFEE 26% BREAKING UP FIGHT BETWEEN KIDS 26% WIPING OFF CIGARETTE ASHES 22% USING A COMPUTER 21% TURNING TO SPEAK 18% TALKING ON CELL PHONE 13%

From interviews with 1,016 adults conducted by Opinion Research Corp. International of Princeton N.J., For Response Insurance

RISING SALARIES College grads with business degrees are in demand

Major 1999* 2000* Increase

Accounting $33K $37K 11.5% Marketing $31K $34K 11.5% Economics $35K $38K 8.9% Computers $45K $49K 8.5%

January figures, rounded. Source: Winter issue of Salary Survey, National Association of Colleges and Employers

WORKPLACE MONITORING Employers are watching us more closely

--Type of monitoring or surveillance

Monitoring Internet connections 54% Storage and review of e-mail 38% Storage and review of computer files 31% Video recording of job performance 15% Recording and review of phone calls 12% Storage and review of voice mail 7%

From a survey of 2,133 human-resources managers in American Management Association member and client companies

AGING IN AMERICA The older we get, the older we think "middle aged" is

--At what age do you think someone becomes middle aged? (average age, by age group responding)

18 TO 44-YEAR-OLDS 46 46 TO 54 50 55 TO 64 51 65+ 54

From interviews with 1,589 adults nationwide, including 807 respondents 60 or older, Oct. 20-23, 1999, conducted by the Los Angeles Times. Sampling error is +/- 3%