A recent study by Dental expert lighthousedentalcentre.com found that Colorado is the healthiest state in the US! They scored a solid 80 out of 80. On the other hand, Kentucky and West Virginia are the least healthy states, with scores of 41.4 and 40, respectively.
lighthousedentalcentre.com took a bunch of factors into account, like air quality, obesity rates, physical activity, prevalent health conditions (like cholesterol, cancer, and coronary heart disease), sleeping patterns, smoking and drinking habits, food consumption, and even the number of adults with all their teeth intact. It covered all 50 states in the US and used 13 different criteria to evaluate them. Each criterion was given a score out of 100, and those scores were then combined and weighted to calculate the final score out of 40 to 80 to keep the study more realistic.
The data for this study was collected from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), so you know it's legit.
The 10 Most Healthy States in the USA 2023
Colorado
Colorado ranks first on the list with a score of 80, indicating a moderate air quality reading of 7.37 PM2.5. Notably, only 25.1% of its population is classified as obese, representing the lowest percentage compared to other states in this list. Furthermore, Colorado has the lowest percentage of cancer among adults, specifically 6.15%.
Hawaii
Hawaii's residents rank closely behind with a score of 79.7, indicating a relatively high level of air quality. The PM2.5 reading, measuring particulate matter, stands at 4.39, signifying the second cleanest air in the area. However, it is important to note that a significant portion, specifically 36.8%, of its adult population experiences inadequate sleep according to the recommended guidelines.
Vermont
Vermont has achieved a score of 79.1, making it a noteworthy performance. In terms of air quality, the PM2.5 reading in Vermont stands at 6.57, reflecting a satisfactory level. Additionally, Vermont takes pride in having the lowest percentage (14.1%) of adults who consume vegetables less than once daily, indicating a commendable dietary habit. These statistics highlight the positive strides taken by Vermont towards maintaining a healthy environment and promoting healthier lifestyles among its residents.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire attains a respectable score of 75.8. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that New Hampshire exhibits a higher prevalence of obesity among adults, with a percentage of 30.6%, surpassing that of both Colorado and Hawaii.
Utah
In the state of Utah, it is important to highlight that the incidence of smoking among adults is relatively low, standing at 11.42%. Similarly, the percentage of adults engaging in binge drinking is also quite low, at 11.13%. These statistics indicate a population that prioritizes a healthier lifestyle.
Massachusetts
The state of Massachusetts has obtained a score of 74.7, indicating a relatively high performance. It is important to highlight that a concerning 19.96% of adults in Massachusetts partake in the detrimental practice of binge drinking, placing it among the locations with the highest percentages. Nevertheless, it is commendable that a considerable majority of 69.6% of adults in Massachusetts maintain optimal oral health and have not encountered any tooth loss.
Connecticut
Based on the PM2.5 reading of 7.04, Connecticut aligns with Massachusetts, both scoring 73.9. It is worth mentioning that a significant proportion of Connecticut's adult population, specifically 20.5%, consumes vegetables less than once daily. This percentage is higher than that of Vermont, yet lower than California's.
Minnesota
Based on the data provided, Minnesota stands out with an obesity rate of 32.4%, which is the highest among the states listed. However, it is notable that Minnesota also exhibits a significant percentage (72.7%) of adults who have not experienced any tooth loss.
Washington
Based on the data analysis, it is observed that Washington, with a PM2.5 reading of 8.68, exhibits the highest value among the top 9 states, standing at 72.7. It is crucial to highlight the fact that a significant percentage of its adult population, specifically 25.51%, experiences depression, which ranks as the highest rate within this particular group.
California
Concluding the list of the top ten entries, California exhibits a PM2.5 reading of 11.35, the highest score recorded at 72.5. However, it is noteworthy that the residents of California appear to maintain a relatively healthier diet, with only 22.5% of adults consuming vegetables less frequently than once per day.
The 10 Least Healthy States in the USA 2023
West Virginia
West Virginia ranks in the lowest position on the health chart, having obtained a score of 40. Furthermore, it is alarming to observe that this state presents the highest prevalence of obesity, reaching a staggering rate of 40.6%. Equally concerning is the fact that an extensive portion, precisely 40.58%, of its adult population fails to adhere to the recommended 7 hours of sleep. On a relatively positive note, it is worth mentioning that only a modest percentage of 14.08% partake in binge drinking, which positions West Virginia among the states with the lowest rates in this category.Kentucky
The state of Kentucky currently experiences a PM2.5 reading of 8.21. This is a matter of concern. Additionally, it is alarming to observe that a significant portion of Kentucky's adult population, approximately 34.77%, chooses not to engage in any form of physical leisure-time activities. This sedentary behavior likely contributes to the state's high obesity rate.
Louisiana
Based on Louisiana's data, it is concerning to observe that a significant proportion of its adult population, specifically 48.6%, consumes fruits less than once a daily basis. This statistic positions Louisiana at the 48th spot, with a score of 41.8. It is important to address this matter seriously, as it exhibits the highest prevalence among the selected states.
Alabama
The state of Alabama currently holds the 47th ranking, achieving a score of 45. It is essential to acknowledge that the obesity rate stands at a significant 39.9%; however, it is worth noting that the percentage of binge drinkers is comparatively lower at 14.25%.
Mississippi
With a score of 46.4, the state of Mississippi distinguishes itself by experiencing the highest percentage (35.74%) of adults who do not participate in any form of physical leisure-time activity, surpassing all other states on this list.
Arkansas
With a score of 46.6, the state of Arkansas must prioritize addressing the issue of 23.84% of its adult population who engage in smoking, as well as the concerning statistic of 46.4% who rarely consume fruits on a daily basis. It is imperative that urgent measures are taken to tackle these health-related challenges.
Oklahoma
The score of Oklahoma is 47, indicating that 32.49% of its adult population does not participate in physical leisure-time activities. Additionally, 48.7% of its adult population rarely consume fruits, ranking second to Louisiana in this aspect.
Tennessee
With a health score of 49.5, Tennessee outperforms the states mentioned earlier. It boasts the lowest PM2.5 reading of 7.64, indicating good air quality. However, it is important to note that 25.25% of its adult population are smokers, surpassing the rates of Mississippi and Oklahoma.
Missouri
The state of Missouri presents a significant concern regarding public health. Despite a score of 52.4, indicating a relatively lower obesity rate of 37.3%, it remains alarming that around 23.79% of its adult population is involved in the detrimental habit of smoking. Such statistics demand immediate attention and action.
Ohio
Ohio ranks last on our list of healthy states, however, it is not to be overlooked with a score of 53.1. The state exhibits a moderate obesity rate of 37.8% and a concerning statistic of 28.41% of its adult population not engaging in any form of physical leisure-time activity. These figures indicate the need for significant improvement in health and wellness practices in Ohio.
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