Study: These Are the Healthiest and Least Healthy States in the US
The United Health Foundation has released its annual report of the healthiest and least healthy states in the U.S.
According to the foundation’s website, “America’s Health Rankings” were based off of the World Health Organization’s holistic view of health.
“Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity,” reads WHO’s definition.
“The model reflects that determinants of health directly influence health outcomes. A health outcomes category and four categories of health determinants are included in the model: behaviors, community & environment, policy and clinical care,” the United Health Foundation said.
The healthiest and least healthy states in the U.S. https://t.co/juv3sUo8hi pic.twitter.com/xVdBYGNSpL
— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 13, 2017
The study looked at a variety of different factors affecting a population’s health, including lack of physical activity and obesity rates, smoking and drug deaths. It also explored environmental factors such as air pollution and the number of health care providers available across a state, according to CBS News.
The foundation said the top five healthiest states in the U.S. were Massachusetts, Hawaii, Vermont, Utah and Connecticut.
This year, Massachusetts knocked Hawaii out of the top spot due largely to the accessibility of health care in the state. The Bay State has not only the largest number of dentists and primary care physicians per capita, but also the highest concentration of mental health care providers, according to CBS.
Utah has apparently also shown one of the greatest improvements. Factors in that state’s rise include reduced air pollution and an increase in immunization rates among children.
Ranking in the bottom five were West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Those five states have not budged much, as shown by past rankings. Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and Louisiana all maintained their positions from last year, while West Virginia fell three places to number 46.
These are the healthiest and least healthy states in America. https://t.co/LRTGx6NXns pic.twitter.com/q0Iky9QWDr
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) December 13, 2017
Alabama had the lowest number of mental health professionals — 85 per 100,000 people vs. 547.3 per 100,000 for Massachusetts.
After Utah, Florida was noted for making vast improvements. Ranking at number 32, the study found positive changes in childhood poverty rates and levels of mental stress in the state since last year.
Meanwhile, North Dakota saw the sharpest decline, falling seven places to number 18. The study noted ratings for smoking and Salmonella — as well as the amount of children being immunized in the state — as major factors.
The United Health Organization listed rising rates of premature deaths and an uneven concentration of health care providers across the country as a cause for concern. (For more from the author of “Study: These Are the Healthiest and Least Healthy States in the US” please click HERE)
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