Survey Says Minnesota Is 3rd Healthiest State In America

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – According to America's Health Rankings, Minnesota stands as one of the healthiest states in the country for 2013.

The findings were released Thursday, and the state ranked third in the country for overall health. It's a list published by the United Health Foundation, American Public Health Association and Partnership for Prevention. They base their rankings on numerous health measures, including diseases, lifestyle factors and quality of life.

In Minnesota's case, the strengths are how active people are, the low level of diabetes, low rates of premature death and cardiovascular disease deaths, and the high rate of high school graduation. Our challenges include binge drinking, low per-capita health funding and low immunization coverage among children.

Hawaii is listed as the healthiest state in the country, with Vermont listed as second, in front of Minnesota. The unhealthiest states: Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi.