Survey: Lack Of Exercise Has Illinois Residents Lagging In Health Rankings
CHICAGO (CBS) -- New health rankings show Illinois 30th among the 50 states when it comes to good health.
The 25th annual survey by United Health Foundation, finds Illinois' ranking unchanged from last year, but the Foundation's Rhonda Randall said what's troubling is physical activity among Illinoisans dropped 8 percent over the past year.
"Nearly a quarter of adults in the state of Illinois are getting no physical activity in the last 30 days, other than just daily living," Randall said.
As for obesity, Randall said Illinois ranks right in the middle, in 25th place.
"29.4 percent of folks in Illinois are self-reporting that they are obese. So we know that nationally and in Illinois, that number is probably under-reported," she said.
Other challenges the foundation cites for Illinois: excessive binge drinking, high levels of air pollution, and too many preventable hospitalizations. Among strengths: good access to doctors and dentists, and a low rate of workplace deaths.
