[HM2Viking]

These are rank ordered from 41-50. (50 is least healthy).
http://www.morganquitno.com/hcrank07.htm
Oklahoma
Arizona
Texas
Georgia
South Carolina
Florida
Nevada
Mississippi
New Mexico
Louisiana

Factors negatively affecting health.
Births of Low Birthweight as a Percent of All Births -
Teenage Birth Rate ( -
Percent of Mothers Receiving Late or No Prenatal Care -
Age-Adjusted Death Rate -
Infant Mortality Rate -
Age-Adjusted Death Rate by Malignant Neoplasms -
Age-Adjusted Death Rate by Suicide -
Average Annual Family Coverage Health Insurance Premium -
Percent of Population Not Covered by Health Insurance -
Percent of Children Not Covered by Health Insurance -
Estimated Rate of New Cancer Cases -
AIDS Rate -
Sexually Transmitted Disease Rate -
Percent of Population Lacking Access to Primary Care -
Percent of Adults Who Are Binge Drinkers -
Percent of Adults Who Smoke -
Percent of Adults Obese -
Percent of Adults Who Do Not Exercise -
http://www.morganquitno.com/hc07fact.htm

[burn out]

It is interesting to note that 7-8 of the bottom 10 are in the south. I just wonder what the opposition to universal healthcare is in these areas? Or better yet what changes do these states have in mind to better serve their
citizens?

[StNeotser]

It's also interesting to note that they also vote Republican.

[Katnip]

It is an interesting point. Most of these are in the south. Most of the healthiest states posted a couple of days ago were in northern, except for Hawaii, if I recall.

[Angie O'Plasty, RN]

Do you suppose it's because the South has a greater percentage of elderly and homeless?

[lovejana22]

My state Alabama is 40!! I do know this and I have no idea how this might play in. I had a friend a few years ago I had a friend who's daughter was pregnant and on Medicaid and her level of care was HORRIBLE!!! Even through delivery it sucked. At the hospital the nurses treated her differently than the ones not on Medicaid and this was witnessed by myself and family. I did say something about it, I do not think anything was done. After the birth I do not think the doctor came the whole 24 hours before she was discharged. I was mortified at this. She went home not knowing a thing, myself and her mother had to teach her how to care for the babies umbilical cord and other things. I did write a letter to Medicaid, I received no response.

[JohnBearPA]

Originally Posted by Angie O'Plasty, RN

Do you suppose it's because the South has a greater percentage of elderly and homeless?

[indigo girl]

Originally Posted by Angie O'Plasty, RN

Do you suppose it's because the South has a greater percentage of elderly and homeless?

I could believe that SOME of these states may be a magnet for the elderly and homeless, but OK, GA, SC, MS, LA, NV would be more difficult to understand.

[RazorbackRN]

Originally Posted by indigo girl

I could believe that SOME of these states may be a magnet for the elderly and homeless, but OK, GA, SC, MS, LA, NV would be more difficult to understand.

Georgia (especially in the Atlanta Metro area) has an extremely large homeless population, Oklahoma is not really considered a southern state, it is Midwest, but it is a poor state. Nevada, well that's a NW state, but look at the casinos, gambling, prostitution. No wonder as to why it is an unhealthy state.

[burn out]

Originally Posted by Angie O'Plasty, RN

Do you suppose it's because the South has a greater percentage of elderly and homeless?

No my state West Virginia ranked 25 or 26 and we have the highest percentage of elderly people in the nation, we also have a high unemployment rate.