South Dakota ranked 20th among 'healthy states'

Associated Press





SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - South Dakota's place in a ranking of healthiest states dropped one spot to 20th, according a report released Monday.



Last year, South Dakota was 19th in the United Health Foundation's annual ranking.



The study said South Dakota's strengths include a low incidence of disease, a low rate of violent crime, a high percentage of children who are immunized and a low mortality rate.



It also noted that per capita public health spending in South Dakota increased by 20 percent last year.



But the state has high rates of motor vehicle deaths and occupational fatalities and residents face a weight challenge, the report said.



Since 1990, the prevalence of obesity has increased from 10.7 percent of the population to 23.8 percent. South Dakota is ranked 31st in the nation in the prevalence of obesity, down from 25th in the nation in 2004.



The study also said:



_ The percentage of South Dakota children living in poverty increased 33 percent in the last year.



_ Since 1990, the premature death rate decreased by 11 percent.



_ Twelve percent of South Dakotans do not have health insurance.



_ South Dakota's infant mortality rate ranges from a low of 5.4 deaths per 1,000 births for non-Hispanic whites to a high of 11.6 percent deaths for American Indians.



_ The prevalence of smoking in South Dakota fell to 20.3 percent, down from 22.7 percent in 2004.



The report lists Minnesota as the healthiest state, followed by Vermont and New Hampshire. North Dakota is sixth. At the bottom are Louisiana and Mississippi.