Do You Live in The Healthiest State in America?

re: Do You Live in The Healthiest State in America?

bartr — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 14:35:21 GMT

I have a comment on Minnesota, my home state being listed as the healthiest state for the 4th straight year. The two main factors used to decide this are the quality of the health care system, and the number of people who have health insurance. In Minnesota there is a very good health care system, one of the best in the country. The percentage of uninsured is the lowest in the US. I just dont think these two equate to the healthiest state. I have lived here most of my life and I have to say that I don't see it. There are many people here who are overweight and obese and have serious health problems. The two biggest health problems in the country, heart disease and cancer are just as big a problem in MN as in many other parts of the country. I hear it all the time here, people who have had a heart attack or have cancer. This is especially true in rural areas, small towns. Many people like to use the excuse that its cold here in winter, for being very sedentary and gaining weight. To me it is nothing but a cop-out. I have been to the state of Colorado for work and I found that area to be much more healthy and active as MN. In the time I was there, I saw very few overweight people and very little cigarette smoking. The bars are all non smoking. People living in that area are very active with hiking, biking, running, walking year round. I have also heard that California is very healthy also, along with some other western states.

re: Do You Live in The Healthiest State in America?

Cynthia_Tarantino — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 16:36:49 GMT

When I read the title for this there was no doubt in my mind I was living in an unhealthy state. Ah! There it is right there in the reading, South Carolina. When military members first get assigned here we are briefed on the health conditions of the area. We are given warnings for sexual activity because this is the highest area for STDs namely HIV and Clamidia.

I am sure my negative oppinion of where I live at least partially stems from getting this lovely information upon arrival here.

re: Do You Live in The Healthiest State in America?

eejit — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 14:18:18 GMT

This study is useless because vaccines are considered beneficial criteria for health.

re: Do You Live in The Healthiest State in America?

labrat — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 14:52:25 GMT

Who determines these "measures of health'?

High school graduation? Accidents? Public health spending? Immunization rates?

re: Do You Live in The Healthiest State in America?

friendly curmudgeon — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 02:30:53 GMT

I've been in a state of disarray and sometimes even a depressed state, but it cheers me to see I'm in a "healthy" state here. In fact, all of New England is represented in the Top Lucky 13 (maybe because they were part of the original 13 colonies... and maybe not).