Unhealthiest States
In America 2008
Previous-
How Unhealthy Is Your State?
That's what publisher CQ Press reveals in its 16th annual list.
Twenty-one factors from infant mortality to obesity to cancer rates are compiled for the rankings.
Click through our gallery to see which 15 states rank as the unhealthiest, then check out the 15 healthiest.
Next: No. 1 Unhealthiest StateMore Rankings:
-
MCT
No. 1: Mississippi
Topping the list as the most unhealthy state in America, the Magnolia State has stolen the dubious honor from last year's "winner," Louisiana.
Its title is well-earned: Mississippi has the highest rate of teenage births in the nation, the highest age-adjusted death rate, the highest infant mortality rate and the highest rate of sexually transmitted diseases. It also has the largest precentage of obese adults and adults who do not exercise.
Next: No. 2 Unhealthiest StateMore Rankings:
-
Getty Images
No. 2: Louisiana
The Pelican State may no longer be the most unhealthy state in the nation, but it's pretty close at No. 2.
Louisiana has the second-highest age-adjusted death rate, the second-highest infant mortality rate and the worst access to primary care.
Next: No. 3 Unhealthiest StateMore Rankings:
-
AP
No. 3: New Mexico
Not living up to its nickname as the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico has seen its health care situation continually decline since 1998.
It has the third-highest teenage birth rate, poor prenatal care, high rates of suicide and poor health insurance coverage. The availability of hospital beds and primary care is also poor.
Next: No. 4 Unhealthiest StateMore Rankings:
-
No. 4: Nevada
For the fourth year in a row, the Silver State remains in the No. 4 spot.
It is the No. 1 worst state for prenatal care and has the second-highest suicide rate in America.
Next: No. 5 Unhealthiest StateMore Rankings:
-
AP
No. 5: Florida
The Sunshine State remains as the fifth most unhealthy state for the second year in a row.
The percentage of its population not covered by health insurance is one of the worst in the country. It also ranks fourth for new cancer cases and third for new AIDS cases.
Next: No. 6 Unhealthiest StateMore Rankings:
-
No. 6: Georgia
Things aren't peachy in the Peach State when it comes to health. Just 10 years ago, Georgia ranked as the 30th most unhealthy state. Fastforward to today, where it nearly makes the top five.
It ranks fourth for the number of new AIDS cases reported and fifth for the number of sexually transmitted diseases. On the plus side, it has one of the best rates of child immunization.
Next: No. 7 Unhealthiest StateMore Rankings:
-
No. 7: South Carolina
For the eleventh year in a row, the Palmetto State has fallen into the top ten unhealthy states.
Contributing to its rank are its high percentage of low birthweight babies, high infant mortality rate, high number of new AIDS cases and high rate of sexually transmitted diseases.
Next: No. 8 Unhealthiest StateMore Rankings:
-
MCT
No. 8: Oklahoma
The health outlook wasn't always so poor in the Sooner State. In 1993, Oklahoma was in the middle of the pack, instead of topping the list.
Its high teenage birth rate, poor prenatal care, high age-adjusted death rate and high percentage of people not covered by health insurance are just some of the factors keeping it there.
Next: No. 9 Unhealthiest StateMore Rankings:
-
AP
No. 9: Alabama
Moving two spots up the list, the Yellowhammer State is just a smidge more unhealthy this year, compared to last year's rankings.
Alabama is in the top five for low birthweight babies, age-adjusted death rate, infant mortality, sexually transmitted diseases, poor primary care access, obesity and non-exercising adults.
Next: No. 10 Unhealthiest StateMore Rankings:
-
Dee Marvin, AP
No. 10: Delaware
The First State rejoins the top 10 since its last visit in 2004.
Helping to bring Delaware down are its percentage of mothers receiving late or no prenatal care, its high infant mortality rate, high rate of new AIDS cases and sexually transmitted diseases.
Next: No. 11 Unhealthiest StateMore Rankings:
-
No. 11: Arizona
Over the years, the Grand Canyon State has climbed from being the 25th most unhealthy state (in 1993) all the way up to the eleventh.
The high teen birth rate, poor rate of mothers receiving prenatal care and high percentage of people not covered by health insurance are partly to blame.
Next: No. 12 Unhealthiest StateMore Rankings:
-
No. 12: Texas
Believe it or not, the Lone Star State was once the 14th healthiest state in America. Now it's the 12th unhealthiest!
It is also the state with the highest percentage of people not covered by health insurance in the U.S.
Next: No. 13 Unhealthiest StateMore Rankings:
-
Linda Epstein/MCT
No. 13: Alaska
Alaska is known as the Last Frontier. Unfortunately, this seems to apply to the state of its health care too.
Equally unfortunate is Alaska's suicide rate. It's the highest in the nation. Alaska also has the second-highest rate of sexually transmitted diseases.
Next: No. 14 Unhealthiest StateMore Rankings:
-
AP
No. 14: Arkansas
The Natural State remains in the fourteenth spot for the second year in a row. A great improvement from the five years in a row it spent as the No. 1 unhealthiest state.
It seems like a public service announcement may be in order: Arkansas ranks 7th for both adults who smoke and adults who don't exercise.
Next: No. 15 Unhealthiest StateMore Rankings:
-
No. 15: Tennessee
The Volunteer State spent three years in a row in the No. 13 spot, before improving slightly to No. 15 this year.
Tennessee is tied with Michigan and Oklahoma for having the fifth largest percentage of obese adults in America. It ranks No. 6 for having the largest percentage of adults who don't exercise.
More on AOL: 15 Healthiest StatesMore Rankings:
-
More on AOL:
Healthiest States
Now that you've seen which states have received the worst marks for being the unhealthiest in the nation, check out which states rank as the most healthy.
Click through our gallery to see the 15 healthiest states in America.
· See Healthiest States
Next: Most Dangerous StatesMore Rankings:
-
Justin Sullivan, Getty Images
More on AOL:
Most Dangerous States
The two most populace states in the U.S., California and New York, don't have the best crime rates, but surprisingly, they are not among the top 15 most dangerous states. See which states do have the highest crime rates.
· 15 Most Dangerous States in U.S.
Next: Safest StatesMore Rankings:
-
Hector Mata, Getty Images
More on AOL:
Safest States in the U.S.
Now that you've seen which states are the healthiest, unhealthiest and most dangerous, find out which are the safest states to live in.
· 15 Safest States in U.S.
Next: Cost of Retirement Hot SpotsMore Rankings:
-
More on AOL:
Retirement Hot Spots
Thinking about changing your address during your golden years? A move is a big decision that should be based on many factors, including what the cost of living will be. Bankrate has rounded up key stats on 62 popular retirement spots, we highlight 30 of them here.
Click through our gallery to check out the prospective communities. Compare the price of goods and services there, everything from the cost of a dozen eggs to median home prices. How Much Does It Cost in ... ?More in Money & Finance:
Recent Comments
SGentilejr 04:40:37 AM Apr 19 2008
The list cannot be correct. NJ has 10% of all the chemical plants in the entire USA and more than 1/2 of the major drug companies. Plus more than our fair share of refineries. NJ has the highest cancer rate in the nation but many more away to FL and other states before they die because of the high cost on living in NJ.
The level of health care also makes some sttes look worse because they have poor health care systems compared to the NJ/NY area.
EdwrMAC2 03:06:55 AM Apr 18 2008
Seek not to know all the answers but to understand all the questions....
BlakeWelding 07:34:58 PM Apr 16 2008
M Semmes 03:23:45 PM Apr 16 2008
Report This! Now did anyone make the comparison between racial make up and these state rankings? That would be politically incorrect. Instead of "healthy" and "unhealthy" STATES, maybe we should see some "findings" on UNHEALTHY PEOPLE!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now now.........that wouldn't be politically correct!...lol...........however,it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out..........hahaha
M Semmes 03:23:45 PM Apr 16 2008
Now did anyone make the comparison between racial make up and these state rankings? That would be politically incorrect. Instead of "healthy" and "unhealthy" STATES, maybe we should see some "findings" on UNHEALTHY PEOPLE!
Edgarnew 03:23:06 PM Apr 16 2008
It's time to cut the Freeloaders Loose ! Let then learn that Living in a Free Country means you have the right to fail ! The Blame Game is an excuse not to accept Personal Accountability and Responsibility !
Originalcornhawg 03:11:40 PM Apr 16 2008
How come those on welfare stealing money from the taxpayer don't have to have a drug test? When i apply for a job i take a drug test. Something is wrong with this picture. It would sure cut down on expenses.
Originalcornhawg 03:07:35 PM Apr 16 2008
WhY not take all the illegal aliens and draft them into the military. Train them, ship them to Iraq, after 4 years of military service with an honorable discharge they become a citizen of the good old USA.
Pd39 02:53:58 PM Apr 16 2008
LISTEN UP!!!
For years I was counted as "homeless" because I didn't have a street address. I had a PO box and lived in a parking lot at work during the week and camp grounds on my time off. I didn't consider myself homeless, but to got their hands in to YOUR pockets the government did.
By law I must pay for Medicare Part B even though I will never use it. I have a 100% combat related disability which also covers my family. We see no reason to purchase any additional insurance (that will probably not pay anyway). We are counted among those the government wants YOU to pay to insure.
Think about it, research all sides, don't take any politicians word for it. All of my working life I paid for insurance, union dues, etc. and the only times I ever had to call on either of them, they were off fishing.
Binnywal 02:47:19 PM Apr 16 2008
hesse. we spend over 40 % of the budget on weapons and salaies fr the military. if you want to slash that budget 20% you'll be talking real savings. the "fluff" is pennys in comparison.
Healthy Living
Stockbyte
AOL Body is here to help you lead a more fit and healthy life.
Insurance Basics
Sorry Officer, but ...
No one likes to get a traffic ticket. But some of us are a little more adventurous in trying to talk our way out of one. What have you tried?
Insurance Talk
Insurance stories and tips from our readers.