A new study of parents' health, medical care, and health-related behavior finds that large numbers of parents at all income levels take part in risky behaviors that are harmful to their own health and are likely to harm the health of their children. These behaviors include smoking, heavy drinking, and being overweight and sedentary. Risky behaviors are especially common among parents who are high school dropouts, parents who are separated or divorced, and those who receive welfare; such behaviors are comparatively infrequent among parents who have recently immigrated to the United States. The study concludes that many parents need to set a better example of healthy behavior for their children and to remain physically and mentally healthy for the crucial task of childrearing. The study's findings also suggest that among vulnerable parents, including some of those on welfare, emotional problems and risky health behaviors may be serious obstacles to self-sufficiency. (Author/EV)