A national survey says Iowa’s become a healthier state in the last year. The yearly survey by the non-profit United Healthcare Foundation gathers federal information in several categories that are supposed to indicate the health of a state. United Vice President Reed Tuckson says these factors are used to put together their annual rankings.
They look at things such as smoking rates, use of seatbelts and policy decisions, such as the resources dedicated to public health. Tuckson says Iowa moved up from 12th to 8th healthiest after decreasing the incidents of infectious diseases, the mortality rate of infants and deaths in auto accidents.
Tuckson says the survey shows some disturbing national trends, including an increase in smoking.
Minnesota was rated the healthiest state, followed by New Hampshire and Utah. For complete information on the rankings, check www.unitedhealthfoundation.com.