America's Health Rankings report comes from the combined efforts of the United Health Foundation and the American Public Health Association.
An incredible amount of data crunching, collecting and mining has created some truly eye-opening statistics.
The list of topics covered in the report is extensive, from cardiovascular disease to immunization; from the number of visits to the dentist to insufficient sleep; teen pregnancy to employment rates.
The scope is breathtaking. No stone is left unturned in this, its 26th edition.
The group uses the broad definition of "health," as coined by the World Health Organization (WHO):
"Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."
As one might imagine, a study of such depth and breadth unearthed a wealth of findings. Some positive, some not so positive.
High-level findings
Among the positive outcomes this year are a slide in smoking rates, an increase in the immunization of children and a drop in preventable hospitalizations. Other positives included fewer cardiovascular deaths and lower infant mortality.On the other side of the coin, drug deaths, diabetes, obesity and the number of children living in poverty have all increased since 2014's report.
Before delving into the report in more detail, below are the main findings by state as highlighted in America's Health Rankings' official report:
- Hawaii: for the 4th consecutive year, Hawaii is the healthiest state
- North Carolina: the biggest improvement, moving from 37th position to 31st, physical inactivity decreased 13%
- Washington: improved from 13th to 9th. The general health of poorer Washingtonians increased but so did excessive drinking (up 2%)
- Oregon: dropped from 12th place to 20th. Drug-related deaths decreased, but obesity increased
- New Mexico: dropped from 33rd to 37th, violent crime up 10%
- Maine: improved from 20th to 15th. Immunization rates and physical activity both up.
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