Tennessee Among Unhealthiest States
December 04, 2008 2:43 PM
Associated Press
Tennessee is ranked among the five unhealthiest states for the fifth consecutive year in an annual report.
The United Health Foundation ranked Tennessee No. 47 in its 19th annual America's Health Rankings released Wednesday. The state dropped one slot from last year's rank of No. 46.
Louisiana, Mississippi and South Carolina are behind Tennessee. Vermont tops the list for the second year.
The rankings are based on factors including smoking, obesity, high school graduation rates and the environment.
The Tennessean reports Department of Health chief medical officer Veronica Gunn says state efforts are having a positive impact on Tennesseans but improving the state's health status takes time.
