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Show Overall State Ranking Health disparity is not specifically addressed in this Index and, despite extraordinary medical breakthroughs, significant disparities in the medical conditions still exist in the United States. Many of the measures for a state reflect the condition of the "average" resident. They do not reflect differences that may exist within a state due to race, sex, and/or economic status. Disparity in health indicators is not only a national issue, but it is also an issue for each state. However, the issue of disparity is not reflected in these data. Using the measures developed by the United Health Foundation, the Foundation has calculated an overall state ranking. The weighting methodology is explained in detail in the Foundation document. Each state receives a numerical score determined in relation to the national average. In short, a state with a calculated ranking equal to that of the national average receives a 0.0 score. States that have a higher value than the national average will have a positive score while those with lower values will have a negative score. Using this methodology, the United Health Foundation State Health Ranking places Minnesota at the top of the list of healthiest states. New Hampshire is number two, followed by Utah and Connecticut. Louisiana, the least healthy state, is 50th; Mississippi and South Carolina are 49th and 48* respectively. Conclusion Achieving an acceptable health status for each and every individual has always been an important priority for the United States of America. Compared to data indicating that the United States has a lower status than other industrialized countries, indices and snapshots like the ones developed by the United Health Foundation present tangible evidence that reveal the health of the nation is improving. The United Health Foundation State rankings indicate that each state has contributed to the improvement of certain aspects of health. By tracking data over a twelve-year period, the United Health Foundation states that, according to their indices, there has been a 14 percent improvement in overall health in the United States over these years. Because of various healthy lifestyle behaviors, the State of Utah has been ranked as one of the healthiest states in the nation. However, it is worth noting that Minnesota heads the list of healthiest states and has held this position for eight of the 12 years of the Index. New Hampshire is number two, followed by Utah and Connecticut. One may reason that Utah's overall ranking would advance if improvements were made regarding the Adequacy of Prenatal Care, a component in which Utah is ranked 49th. Additionally, those interested in Utah's health would understand that increased support for Public Health Care is a positive step. References United Health Foundation (2001). American Health: United Health Foundation State Health Rankings. Available in its entirety at http://www.unitedhealthfoundation.org/. Hard copies may be requested at this site. The United Health Foundation encourages the distribution of information for non-commercial and charitable, educational, and/or scientific purposes. 114 Utah's Health: An Annual Review Volume VIII |