Health rankings put Iowa 15th

CHICAGO — United Health Foundation, the American Public Health Association and Partnership for Prevention today released the 20th Anniversary Edition of America’s Health Rankings showing that Iowa ranks 15th when compared to the health of other states.

The 2009 Rankings identifies the need to change unhealthy behaviors that contribute to preventable, chronic diseases as the key to improving the nation’s health. The nation has become adept at treating certain illnesses and diseases, but Americans are not modifying risk factors that contribute to chronic diseases.

Tobacco consumption and obesity have emerged as the two priorities that threaten the health of the nation.

While tobacco use dropped from 19.8 percent of the population last year to 18.3 percent this year, approximately 440,000 deaths annually are still attributable to this preventable behavior. Obesity has increased nearly 130 percent since the first edition of America’s Health Rankings was issued 20 years ago.