In 2008, U.S. health is, frankly, about the same as 2007

Vermont is the healthiest state (again). Louisiana has fallen a spot to earn the distinction as the unhealthiest state. And California moves up a notch to find itself almost exactly between the two.

So says America's Health Rankings 2008.

The annual report from United Health Foundation, in collaboration with the American Public Health Assn. and Partnership for Prevention, uses health data from a variety of sources to paint a state-by-state portrait of the nation's health and how that is changing. Or not.

California gets brownie points for its low rates of smoking, obesity, job fatalities, infant mortality, cancer deaths and preventable hospitalizations. (Note that "low" is relative in such cases.) Here's the Golden State's profile.

It gets demerits for air pollution, a high percentage of uninsured people, infectious disease rates and geographic disparity, defined as differences in mortality rates among the counties.

Overall, the report's introduction says, the nation's health has held steady for four years in a row. Actually, it states that health "has not improved." But let's take what solace we can find.

And did we mention California moved up a notch? To a bold 24 out of 50.

-- Tami Dennis

Photo: The health of the nation is staying in place. It could be better, but obesity, smoking ... you know.

Credit: Josh Reynolds / Associated Press

Comments

[Sam]

Isn't it curious that there is a strong correlation between unhealthy states and republican states?

[virgilk]

I don't believe there has been a drop in cancer rates in California. Sounds to me like Stanton Glantz and the ACS are trying to convince people they are doing a good job by getting smoking bans passed. Anyone keeping track of smoking bans will find the states with the biggest money problems are the ones with smoking bans and no improvement in health. Some smoking cessation products are causing more problems than thy are supposed to solve.

[Pam]

And isn't California almost bankrupt? Where are the billions and billions of dollars Stanton Glantz said the state has saved from these "no name" secondhand smoke deaths? Check out the suicide rates in total ban states. Illinois skyrocketed this year; total ban started January, 2008. Of course, Tobacco Control is blaming the economy but if you own a bar or restaurant, you can tell these people the loss of revenue and jobs is IMMEDIATE and DEVASTATING right after a ban. How many people have killed themselves because they lost their bar they've had in the family for generations? What of the people who now have to place to go to socialize? They sit at home and drink (and smoke) and some kill themselves. California isn't Iowa or Ohio or Illinois. It gets COLD! Smokers quit going out and anti smokers never did go to bars..they rent videos and sit at home. Some people need a purpose and their neighborhood pub and its customers WERE their family. Of course, Tobacco Control doesn't care at all about the collateral damage. THEIR grant money is safe!