The State of Our Health

By Coco Masters

Americans are 19% healthier now than in 1990, according to the United Health Foundation. Fewer people smoke; more are immunized. But before we drink to our health, keep in mind that as a nation, we're also 110% fatter, and 19% more of us have no health insurance. Plus, healthiness varies dramatically by state. In the map below, each state's score is based on assessments of 12 health determinants, such as child poverty, and six outcomes, such as infant mortality. This year--as in 10 past years--Minnesota is No. 1. The question, the authors ask: Now that you know your rank, what will you do about it?

NORTH AND SOUTH DAKOTA Both states have cut the prevalence of infectious disease nearly 75% since 1990. And North Dakota has a very low violent-crime rate: 98 offenses per 100,000 people, compared with, say, South Carolina's 761.

MINNESOTA It's healthy, dontcha know? Minnesotans scored 21% above the U.S. norm, thanks to factors like a high rate of employer-provided health insurance. Still, 1 in 4 are obese, which the state will combat with a child-centric plan.

VERMONT Ben and Jerry's aside, it's the most improved--31% healthier--since 1990. Smoking is down 37%, and child poverty has dropped 28%.

UTAH It has the lowest smoking rate in the U.S.--just 11.5%.

OKLAHOMA The state improved the least since 1990, up a mere 6.4%.

TEXAS It's the worst with health insurance--24% of Texans lack it.

LOUISIANA The state in which 1 in 3 people are obese has always ranked in the bottom two. But there is some progress. This year violent crime is down a healthy 7%.