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Study Ranks Vermont #1 in Health

Minneapolis - November 17, 2009

Vermont is the healthiest state in the country according to a new study. The 20th annual America's Health Rankings places Vermont at the top of the list, with Massachusetts third, New Hampshire fifth, and New York 25th.

The report weighs 22 separate factors including smoking and obesity. Vermont scores well for low percentage of children in poverty, low prevalence of obesity, and ready availability of primary care physicians.

The study authors say the nation as a whole has made great progress in disease treatment but must find a way to improve disease prevention.

"Unfortunately, we don't see prevention high enough as we talk about reform," said Dr. Reed Tuckson of the United Health Foundation. "And if we don't get at it and don't make the comprehensive changes for individuals, for communities, for states, for the nation, then there will be no way the reform efforts will be able to afford to manage all of this burden of preventable disease over the next coming years."

While New York ranks 25th overall, it has shown the greatest improvement over the past two decades.

Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts are also among the most improved states.

Click here for more on the rankings.