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According to the World Population Review, three of the healthiest states in the U.S. were Vermont, Massachusetts, and Hawaii.
The United States is currently one of the wealthiest countries in the world and spends more than any other nation on healthcare. Despite this reality, the United States struggles with high rates of chronic health conditions and preventable deaths across its 50 states. Obesity in the U.S. was 41.9% in 2017-2020, with Louisiana, Oklahoma, and West Virginia having the highest rates. Obesity can lead to severe health conditions like heart disease, stroke, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
Of course, not all states are the same regarding health.
When discussing the healthiest states, defining "healthy" is necessary to determine what standards will be used to conclude healthy versus least healthy. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health should be defined as more than the absence of disease or infirmity but as complete physical, mental, and social well-being.
The most significant contributors to good health are lifestyle, culture, employment, education, environment, housing, household income, and community safety. Since these factors vary across each U.S. state, so does the overall health of its citizens.
Let's examine why Vermont, Massachusetts, and Hawaii landed at the top of the list of healthiest U.S. states.
1. VERMONT
First, Vermont's adult obesity rate is the seventh lowest in the country at 29%. The adult smoking rate in Vermont is the 28th lowest at 14.8%. These two rates are considered when looking at the health of each state because obesity and smoking are currently the top two causes of preventable deaths in the United States. With fewer people in Vermont struggling with obesity and smoking, there are fewer chances of the aforementioned associated health conditions.
Secondly, on average, Vermont residents live a more active lifestyle than residents in other states. Vermont reports daily exercise, the first across the United States. Daily exercise is one of the most important things individuals can do for their health and wellness. Not only does exercise improve one's physical health, but it boosts mental health as well.
Thirdly, Vermont ranked in the top 20 in mental well-being. This means that most citizens living in Vermont have access to mental care facilities and less frequent or severe reports of mental ailments.
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Lastly, Vermont citizens eat more daily fruits and vegetables than the rest of the U.S. A healthy diet is critical in reducing chronic illness and improving overall health.
2. MASSACHUSETTS
You'd think all those Ball Park Franks and Dunkin' Donuts would do Massachusetts in, but you'd be mistaken. Massachusetts is ranked second overall for healthiest states in the U.S.
The cancer rate in Massachusetts is on the lower side, ranking 34th overall, with Kentucky ranking highest overall.
Regarding heart diseases, Massachusetts ranks 46th, and for stroke and diabetes, they rank 49th. Massachusetts has the 5th lowest smoking rate, behind only Utah, California, Maryland, and Hawaii.
There is currently a 27.4% obesity rate among citizens of Massachusetts. This incredibly low obesity rate can likely be attributed to the 49.3% of Massachusett citizens who claim to engage in regular physical activity.
Massachusetts also ranked an impressive third overall in mental well-being and having access to high-quality mental care facilities.
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Another potential contributor to Massachusetts' high health rating could be its well-off economic status. The median household income in Massachusetts is $89,645. This high household income gives most citizens access to quality health insurance.
3. HAWAII
Hawaii is undoubtedly the third healthiest state in the U.S. Its stunning beaches and laid-back island lifestyle make it an ideal destination to escape everyday stress.
Hawaii took home the accolade for healthiest seniors in 2019. Seniors living in Hawaii had the lowest obesity rate, the highest prevalence of arthritis treatment and management, and the lowest death rates for individuals between 65 and 74 years.
As it pertains to the rest of the Hawaiian citizens, they rank 49th overall in heart disease and cancer, 48th in diabetes, seventh for mental health well-being, and second-lowest for obesity rates, following only behind the District of Columbia. Living in a beautiful state like Hawaii often leads to a physically active lifestyle, contributing to good health.
Hawaii has the fifth-highest median income rate at an average of $83,102 per household.
Conclusion
Some key shared characteristics of each state above are physical activity, healthy habits, and high household income, all of which contribute to their ranking as the top healthiest states in the U.S.