Massachusetts Ranked Healthiest State In The Nation

By Elizabeth Cohen, Senior Medical Correspondent (CNN) — Despite years of efforts to even out health disparities across the United States, some states are dramatically healthier than others, according to a new report. Massachusetts, Hawaii, Vermont, Utah and Connecticut rank as the five healthiest states, while West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi rank the least healthy in America’s Health Rankings, according to the report by the United Health Foundation. The rankings take into account a variety of health factors, such as rates of infectious diseases, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking and infant mortality, as well as air pollution levels and the availability of health care providers. This is the first time Massachusetts has been named the healthiest state, ending Hawaii’s five-year reign. The Bay State won the honor in part due to having the lowest percentage of uninsured residents at just 2.7% of the population, plus a low prevalence of obesity and a high number of mental health providers. Mississippi and Louisiana, ranked 49th and 50th, have major health challenges, according to the report, including a high prevalence of smoking, obesity and children in poverty. The report, America’s Health Rankings, has been analyzing state health standings for 28 years. Across the country, health disparities have been noticed not just between states, but even within the same metropolitan area. For example, neighborhoods just 12 miles apar...
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health Local News Health Insurance Source Type: news