GaryMrMets
02-05-2002, 09:20 PM
http://www.insure.com/health/healthystates1001.html
The healthiest states in America
By Vicki Lankarge
insure.com
A decrease in fatal car crashes and in the number of Americans who smoke are largely responsible for a 14 percent hike in the nation's overall level of healthiness since 1990, according to an annual state-by-state study by the UnitedHealth Foundation.
Louisiana finished last, preceded by Mississippi (49), South Carolina (48), West Virginia (47), and Florida (46).
"America's Health: UnitedHealth Foundation State Health Rankings" analyzes the relative healthiness of the American population using information supplied by the U.S. Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Safety Council, U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Labor Department, and the American Cancer Society. The 2001 report shows a nationwide betterment in Americans' health during the past 12 years, including a 36 percent decrease in motor vehicle deaths, a 30 percent reduction in infant mortality, and a 6 percent drop in the number of people who smoke.
Minnesota captured first place by scoring highest overall in categories measuring access to health care, disability, disease, mortality, and occupational safety. It has been in the top three states for all 12 years of the study. In 2001, Minnesota placed first in three measures, with the highest support for public health care, lowest incidence of heart disease, and lowest rate of premature deaths.
Florida, the state with the highest number of violent crimes per 100,000 residents (854), ranks 46th this year. The state's strengths include a low unemployment rate of 3.6 percent, strong prenatal care with 79.5 percent of pregnant women receiving adequate care, a low rate of heart disease with 255.9 deaths per 100,000 population, and a low total mortality rate with 826.5 deaths per 100,000 population. However, its challenges include not only a high violent crime rate, but also a widespread lack of health insurance, with 19.2 percent of the population uninsured.
Overall, the 2001 study is good news for public health analysts seeking to reassure a skittish American public during the anthrax scares. "In light of current events, we're pleased that this report focuses on the successes each state has achieved and on the key components necessary to improve health throughout the nation," says Dr. Mohammed Akhter, executive director of the American Public Health Association, one of the organizations that helped compile the 2001 rankings.
"Now more than ever, our nation appreciates the essential role of our public health infrastructure," says Dr. Reed Tuckson, senior vice president of UnitedHealth Foundation. "As we remain vigilant to new public health challenges, we must also must continue our efforts to consistently promote and protect the health of all Americans."
Changes from 1990
While the overall health of Americans has improved 14 percent since 1990, there was a 3 percent decrease nationally from 2000. The report blames the one-year blip on the slight decline in the number of students graduating from high school from 67.8 percent to 67. 2 percent; an increase in the number of people who smoke from 22.7 percent to 23.2 percent; and a decrease in support for public health care from a ratio of 2.10 to 1.44.
Still, all 50 states show a positive change in their overall scores between 1990 and 2001. Five states — Alaska, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington — improved by 20 percent or more since 1990. The reasons for these dramatic improvements vary. For example, since 1990 Oregon has reduced the incidence of infectious disease from 93 to 22 cases per 100,000 people and Alaska has increased support for public health care from 48 percent below the national average to 17 percent above.
Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming are the four states that have suffered the greatest overall health decline since 1990, mainly because their health improvements fall behind the national average. For example, while infant mortality has decreased in North Dakota from 8.6 to 8.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, it has declined nationally from 10 to seven deaths per 1,000 live births. And a poor showing in any of the measures can help lower a state in the standings. Nebraska was hurt overall because the statistics show that since 1990, the violent crime rate in Nebraska has risen from 252 to 430 offenses per 100,000 people.
Significant changes in key categories
The study uses several key categories to measure each state's standing, such as infant mortality, prenatal care, prevalence of smoking, and motor-vehicle deaths. The 2001 study shows some states have made significant progress in these categories during the past 12 years.
Infant mortality
Alaska has experienced the greatest improvement with the rate of infant mortality, declining from 11 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to six deaths in 2001.
Oregon was second, with 10 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to six in 2001.
Nationally, the infant mortality rate has declined from 10 to seven deaths per 1,000 live births since 1990.
Prenatal care
South Carolina has shown the greatest increase in the percentage of women receiving adequate prenatal care. In 1990, 57 percent received adequate care. In 2001, that figure rose to 74 percent.
Florida's prenatal care rates rose from 63 percent in 1990 to 80 percent in 2001.
West Virginia's prenatal care rates rose from 62 percent in 1990 to 78 percent in 2001.
Georgia's prenatal care rates rose from 67 percent in 1990 to 81 percent in 2001.
Infectious disease
Alaska has experienced the greatest improvement in incidences of infectious disease (including AIDS, tuberculosis, and hepatitis) with the rate declining from 92 cases per 100,000 people in 1990 to 16 in 2001.
Oregon was second, with a decrease from 93 in 1990 to 22 in 2001.
Washington experienced a decrease from 84 in 1990 to 25 in 2001.
Arizona went from 91 in 1990 to 41 in 2001. Nationally, the incidence of infectious disease decreased from 41 cases in 1990 to 31 cases in 2001.
Violent crime
New York's crime rate decreased 42 percent from 1990 (from 1,007 to 589 offenses per 100,000 people).
California's crime rate declined 32 percent (from 918 to 727).
Michigan's offenses dropped from 780 to 575.
Florida's offenses fell from 1,024 to 854.
Oregon's offenses declined from 540 to 385.
Nationwide, the violent crime rate is 14 percent below the rate in 1990.
Motor vehicle deaths
Oregon shows the greatest decline in the number of motor vehicle deaths per 100 million miles driven. Its rate dropped from three deaths per 100 million miles driven in 1990 to one death per 100 million miles driven in 2001.
Nevada's car crash death rate fell from three deaths per 100 million miles driven in 1990 to two deaths per 100 million miles driven in 2001.
Indiana's car crash death rate dropped from three deaths per 100 million miles driven in 1990 to one death per 100 million miles driven in 2001.
Vermont's car crash death rate declined from two deaths per 100 million miles driven in 1990 to one death per 100 million miles driven in 2001.
New York's car crash death rate dropped from two deaths per 100 million miles driven in 1990 to one death per 100 million miles driven in 2001.
Nationally, the car crash death rate decreased from three deaths per 100 million miles driven to two deaths per 100 million driven.
Prevalence of smoking
Arizona experienced a 37 percent decrease in the number of people who smoke (from 30 percent to 19 percent).
Virginia experienced a 35 percent drop (from 33 percent to 21 percent).
Rhode Island experienced a 32 percent decline (from 34 percent to 23 percent).
Nationally, the prevalence of smoking has decreased by 6 percent during the past 12 years.
Heart disease
Utah shows the greatest improvement in the number of deaths due to heart disease per 100,000 people. Utah's death rate fell from 283 per 100,000 people in 1990 to 198 per 100,000 people in 2001.
Maine's death rate fell from 337 per 100,000 people in 1990 to 262 per 100,000 people in 2001.
Maryland's death rate declined from 331 per 100,000 people in 1990 to 259 per 100,000 people in 2001.
Massachusetts' death rate dropped from 309 per 100,000 people in 1990 to 239 per 100,000 people in 2001.
Nationally, heart disease in the United States has decreased from 322 deaths per 100,000 people in 1990 to 276 per 100,000 people in 2001.
Last updated Dec. 13, 2001
The top 10 healthiest states in 2001
1. Minnesota
2. New Hampshire
3. Utah
4. Connecticut
5. Massachusetts
6. Vermont
7. Hawaii
8. Iowa and Maine (tied)
10. Colorado
The healthiest states:
Comparison of state rankings, 2001 vs. 2000
State 2001 rank 2000 rank
Alabama 45 44
Alaska 25 30
Arizona 35 38
Arkansas 42 46
California 22 21
Colorado 10 7
Connecticut 4 9
Delaware 38 35
Florida 46 43
Georgia 36 35
Hawaii 7 5
Idaho 19 22
Illinois 30 29
Indiana 23 26
Iowa 8 12
Kansas 18 16
Kentucky 39 39
Louisiana 50 49
Maine 8 10
Maryland 28 24
Massachusetts 5 4
Michigan 29 28
Minnesota 1 2
Mississippi 49 50
Missouri 32 32
Montana 27 27
Nebraska 16 14
Nevada 42 45
New Hampshire 2 1
New Jersey 20 20
New Mexico 40 40
New York 33 34
North Carolina 34 33
North Dakota 13 13
Ohio 24 23
Oklahoma 41 42
Oregon 17 18
Pennsylvania 26 25
Rhode Island 14 17
South Carolina 48 48
South Dakota 21 19
Tennessee 44 41
Texas 36 37
Utah 3 3
Vermont 6 6
Virginia 15 15
Washington 12 11
West Virginia 47 47
Wisconsin 11 8
Wyoming 31 31
Note: Some states are tied, resulting in the same rank number.
Source: UnitedHealth Foundation
The healthiest states in America
By Vicki Lankarge
insure.com
A decrease in fatal car crashes and in the number of Americans who smoke are largely responsible for a 14 percent hike in the nation's overall level of healthiness since 1990, according to an annual state-by-state study by the UnitedHealth Foundation.
Louisiana finished last, preceded by Mississippi (49), South Carolina (48), West Virginia (47), and Florida (46).
"America's Health: UnitedHealth Foundation State Health Rankings" analyzes the relative healthiness of the American population using information supplied by the U.S. Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Safety Council, U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Labor Department, and the American Cancer Society. The 2001 report shows a nationwide betterment in Americans' health during the past 12 years, including a 36 percent decrease in motor vehicle deaths, a 30 percent reduction in infant mortality, and a 6 percent drop in the number of people who smoke.
Minnesota captured first place by scoring highest overall in categories measuring access to health care, disability, disease, mortality, and occupational safety. It has been in the top three states for all 12 years of the study. In 2001, Minnesota placed first in three measures, with the highest support for public health care, lowest incidence of heart disease, and lowest rate of premature deaths.
Florida, the state with the highest number of violent crimes per 100,000 residents (854), ranks 46th this year. The state's strengths include a low unemployment rate of 3.6 percent, strong prenatal care with 79.5 percent of pregnant women receiving adequate care, a low rate of heart disease with 255.9 deaths per 100,000 population, and a low total mortality rate with 826.5 deaths per 100,000 population. However, its challenges include not only a high violent crime rate, but also a widespread lack of health insurance, with 19.2 percent of the population uninsured.
Overall, the 2001 study is good news for public health analysts seeking to reassure a skittish American public during the anthrax scares. "In light of current events, we're pleased that this report focuses on the successes each state has achieved and on the key components necessary to improve health throughout the nation," says Dr. Mohammed Akhter, executive director of the American Public Health Association, one of the organizations that helped compile the 2001 rankings.
"Now more than ever, our nation appreciates the essential role of our public health infrastructure," says Dr. Reed Tuckson, senior vice president of UnitedHealth Foundation. "As we remain vigilant to new public health challenges, we must also must continue our efforts to consistently promote and protect the health of all Americans."
Changes from 1990
While the overall health of Americans has improved 14 percent since 1990, there was a 3 percent decrease nationally from 2000. The report blames the one-year blip on the slight decline in the number of students graduating from high school from 67.8 percent to 67. 2 percent; an increase in the number of people who smoke from 22.7 percent to 23.2 percent; and a decrease in support for public health care from a ratio of 2.10 to 1.44.
Still, all 50 states show a positive change in their overall scores between 1990 and 2001. Five states — Alaska, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington — improved by 20 percent or more since 1990. The reasons for these dramatic improvements vary. For example, since 1990 Oregon has reduced the incidence of infectious disease from 93 to 22 cases per 100,000 people and Alaska has increased support for public health care from 48 percent below the national average to 17 percent above.
Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming are the four states that have suffered the greatest overall health decline since 1990, mainly because their health improvements fall behind the national average. For example, while infant mortality has decreased in North Dakota from 8.6 to 8.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, it has declined nationally from 10 to seven deaths per 1,000 live births. And a poor showing in any of the measures can help lower a state in the standings. Nebraska was hurt overall because the statistics show that since 1990, the violent crime rate in Nebraska has risen from 252 to 430 offenses per 100,000 people.
Significant changes in key categories
The study uses several key categories to measure each state's standing, such as infant mortality, prenatal care, prevalence of smoking, and motor-vehicle deaths. The 2001 study shows some states have made significant progress in these categories during the past 12 years.
Infant mortality
Alaska has experienced the greatest improvement with the rate of infant mortality, declining from 11 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to six deaths in 2001.
Oregon was second, with 10 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to six in 2001.
Nationally, the infant mortality rate has declined from 10 to seven deaths per 1,000 live births since 1990.
Prenatal care
South Carolina has shown the greatest increase in the percentage of women receiving adequate prenatal care. In 1990, 57 percent received adequate care. In 2001, that figure rose to 74 percent.
Florida's prenatal care rates rose from 63 percent in 1990 to 80 percent in 2001.
West Virginia's prenatal care rates rose from 62 percent in 1990 to 78 percent in 2001.
Georgia's prenatal care rates rose from 67 percent in 1990 to 81 percent in 2001.
Infectious disease
Alaska has experienced the greatest improvement in incidences of infectious disease (including AIDS, tuberculosis, and hepatitis) with the rate declining from 92 cases per 100,000 people in 1990 to 16 in 2001.
Oregon was second, with a decrease from 93 in 1990 to 22 in 2001.
Washington experienced a decrease from 84 in 1990 to 25 in 2001.
Arizona went from 91 in 1990 to 41 in 2001. Nationally, the incidence of infectious disease decreased from 41 cases in 1990 to 31 cases in 2001.
Violent crime
New York's crime rate decreased 42 percent from 1990 (from 1,007 to 589 offenses per 100,000 people).
California's crime rate declined 32 percent (from 918 to 727).
Michigan's offenses dropped from 780 to 575.
Florida's offenses fell from 1,024 to 854.
Oregon's offenses declined from 540 to 385.
Nationwide, the violent crime rate is 14 percent below the rate in 1990.
Motor vehicle deaths
Oregon shows the greatest decline in the number of motor vehicle deaths per 100 million miles driven. Its rate dropped from three deaths per 100 million miles driven in 1990 to one death per 100 million miles driven in 2001.
Nevada's car crash death rate fell from three deaths per 100 million miles driven in 1990 to two deaths per 100 million miles driven in 2001.
Indiana's car crash death rate dropped from three deaths per 100 million miles driven in 1990 to one death per 100 million miles driven in 2001.
Vermont's car crash death rate declined from two deaths per 100 million miles driven in 1990 to one death per 100 million miles driven in 2001.
New York's car crash death rate dropped from two deaths per 100 million miles driven in 1990 to one death per 100 million miles driven in 2001.
Nationally, the car crash death rate decreased from three deaths per 100 million miles driven to two deaths per 100 million driven.
Prevalence of smoking
Arizona experienced a 37 percent decrease in the number of people who smoke (from 30 percent to 19 percent).
Virginia experienced a 35 percent drop (from 33 percent to 21 percent).
Rhode Island experienced a 32 percent decline (from 34 percent to 23 percent).
Nationally, the prevalence of smoking has decreased by 6 percent during the past 12 years.
Heart disease
Utah shows the greatest improvement in the number of deaths due to heart disease per 100,000 people. Utah's death rate fell from 283 per 100,000 people in 1990 to 198 per 100,000 people in 2001.
Maine's death rate fell from 337 per 100,000 people in 1990 to 262 per 100,000 people in 2001.
Maryland's death rate declined from 331 per 100,000 people in 1990 to 259 per 100,000 people in 2001.
Massachusetts' death rate dropped from 309 per 100,000 people in 1990 to 239 per 100,000 people in 2001.
Nationally, heart disease in the United States has decreased from 322 deaths per 100,000 people in 1990 to 276 per 100,000 people in 2001.
Last updated Dec. 13, 2001
The top 10 healthiest states in 2001
1. Minnesota
2. New Hampshire
3. Utah
4. Connecticut
5. Massachusetts
6. Vermont
7. Hawaii
8. Iowa and Maine (tied)
10. Colorado
The healthiest states:
Comparison of state rankings, 2001 vs. 2000
State 2001 rank 2000 rank
Alabama 45 44
Alaska 25 30
Arizona 35 38
Arkansas 42 46
California 22 21
Colorado 10 7
Connecticut 4 9
Delaware 38 35
Florida 46 43
Georgia 36 35
Hawaii 7 5
Idaho 19 22
Illinois 30 29
Indiana 23 26
Iowa 8 12
Kansas 18 16
Kentucky 39 39
Louisiana 50 49
Maine 8 10
Maryland 28 24
Massachusetts 5 4
Michigan 29 28
Minnesota 1 2
Mississippi 49 50
Missouri 32 32
Montana 27 27
Nebraska 16 14
Nevada 42 45
New Hampshire 2 1
New Jersey 20 20
New Mexico 40 40
New York 33 34
North Carolina 34 33
North Dakota 13 13
Ohio 24 23
Oklahoma 41 42
Oregon 17 18
Pennsylvania 26 25
Rhode Island 14 17
South Carolina 48 48
South Dakota 21 19
Tennessee 44 41
Texas 36 37
Utah 3 3
Vermont 6 6
Virginia 15 15
Washington 12 11
West Virginia 47 47
Wisconsin 11 8
Wyoming 31 31
Note: Some states are tied, resulting in the same rank number.
Source: UnitedHealth Foundation