When it comes to the health of its citizens, California ranks near the middle of the pack. The latest edition of health rankings from the United Health Foundation places California in 23rd place nationally. But there are some bright spots. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.
The report bases its rankings on a number of factors, including personal behaviors, community environments, and public health policies. Dr. Reed Tuckson is with the United Health Foundation. He says in comparison to other states, California has low rates of infant mortality and cancer deaths. And Tuckson says the state really shines when it comes to tobacco use.
Tuckson: California has the most to be proud of in terms of its fight against tobacco. And California is second in the country in the fewest number of its citizens who are smoking.
However, Tuckson says nearly one in five Californians are uninsured. And he says the percentage of young children who are fully immunized has dropped below 80 percent.
Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
