18 health indicators factored into the rankings, covering a range of personal behaviors, living and working environment, public policy decisions and the quality of medical care. Minnesota topped the list, with its low rate of uninsured, low percentage of children in poverty, and low infant mortality rate getting much of the credit. Ohio ranked 25th, but showed marked improvement in some areas, such as reducing obesity and cutting down smoking. But perhaps most notable, says Dr. Arquel Giorgio - medical advisor to the United Health Foundation, which produces the annual rankings - is Ohio's improvement in child immunizations.
Arquel Giorgio: The rank changed from... being from ranking number 12 in 2006, and that improved from ranking at number 36 last year. And the state should really be applauded for that.
But the number of uninsured residents in Ohio has risen in the last year to 12.3%, up from 11.4%. The state also ranks low in preventing deaths from cancer - 42nd - and cardiovascular disease - 37th. Bill Rice, 90.3.