The Skinny:
Is health a matter of location? It just might be, although what may be geographically important in terms of health for one person may not matter as much to another person. Nonetheless, it is still probably wise to go where the living is good and, well, healthy. But how is geographically healthy defined? Glad you asked. WellWell has reviewed various listings of the healthiest states to come up with a Top Five guide. The various rankings were based on wellness data, including the prevalence of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mental illness, social isolation, lack of exercise, obesity, tobacco use, heavy alcohol use and drug overdose. Life expectancy was also factored in. Things like clean air and water, socio-economic factors and general access to health care were not specially built into rankings, but undoubtedly, they factor into good health.
The Slate:
Hawaii – The Healthiest
Hawaii leads the way in part by boasting the longest life expectancy at 80.7 years in the country, about four years longer than the national average. The state’s chronic lower respiratory disease mortality is the lowest in the nation. Cardiac, cancer and chronic liver disease mortalities are the second lowest—and diabetes mortality is the third lowest. This may be attributed to healthy lifestyle choices. The Aloha State ranks second lowest for overall substance abuse, thanks to low alcohol, tobacco, opioid and illicit drug use. It is also the second lowest for obesity. Clean air and a sunny, temperate climate promote year-round outdoor activity. Oh yes, its public health system is ranked first in the nation.
Colorado – Second Healthiest
Colorado’s health profile is similar to Hawaii’s. Its life expectancy is 78.3. That’s not surprising, as it shares Hawaii’s health-and-fitness culture. Its passion for outdoor activity yields a high exercise score, which may be related to notably low incidences of obesity and heart disease and the lowest incidence of diabetes in the nation. The Centennial State helps its residents by boasting a vibrant farm-to-table culture that emphasizes a balanced diet of fresh, locally sourced whole foods.
New Hampshire – Third Healthiest
New Hampshire’s “Live Free or Die” motto has given it a spunky vibe since colonial times and may explain its high life expectancy rating of 79 years and low incidences of diabetes and heart disease. Although valuing individuality, state residents statistically eat lots of vegetables, have high social support scores and rank low on tobacco use and substance abuse. And frankly, the Granite State’s wealth doesn’t hurt; it has the nation’s fourth-highest per capita GDP.
New Jersey – Fourth Healthiest
Who would have imagined that New Jersey is among the top five healthiest states? Well, there are a few reasons for the high ranking. New Jersey has the nation’s third highest per capita GDP and an excellent public health system, which ranks second in the nation by US News and World Report. The state is tied with Utah for the lowest alcohol abuse, has the second-lowest tobacco use and the best mental health ratings of the top ten healthiest states. Unfortunately, it also has the nation’s fifth highest cancer rating, which may be affected by the ravages of concentrated urbanization and industrialization on the environment of “The Garden State.”
Massachusetts – Fifth Healthiest
The Bay State is tied with New Hampshire for the nation’s second-highest life expectancy, at 79 years. It also ranks second highest in the nation for both GDP and overall health care. Boston University’s School of Public Health reports that it leads the nation in an index incorporating 600 social factors that support health. Low obesity and tobacco use scores may help explain the state’s low incidence of diabetes, stroke, liver, heart and chronic respiratory disease.
Eyes Up:
Do you think you’ve got a healthier state? Let us know at info@wellwellusa.com.
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