New report ranks Iowa 17th in health; down from 2010

CEDAR RAPIDS - Even as it aspires to become the healthiest state, Iowa is losing ground, according to a report released Tuesday.

The 2011 America's Health Rankings, by the United Health Foundation, place Iowa 17th in overall health, down two spots from 15th last year.

Vermont was judged the healthiest state for the fifth year in a row and southern states again ranked at the bottom, with Mississippi coming in last.

While the rankings differ from the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index on which Iowa is basing its goal to become the healthiest state, the report reveals areas in need of improvement.

Those include a high prevalence of binge drinking; limited availability of primary care physicians and a high incidence of infectious disease.

“Iowa in general does well, but there are things we need to work on,” said Dr. Patricia Quinlisk, medical director for the Iowa Department of Public Health.

She cited binge drinking, obesity and smoking rates among the areas to address.

Quinlisk, who is also state epidemiologist, said Iowa's disease rates are not necessarily higher than other states.

“Part of this is a little arbitrary,” she said. “If you do really great surveillance, you can have a high rate. I don't think it means we have more diseases compared to other states. It just means we have a good surveillance system.”

Iowa is ranked 19th in the separate Gallup Healthways Well-Being Index and has launched a Healthiest State Initiative to become the healthiest state in the nation by 2016.

Part of that initiative is the Blue Zones Project, which will transform communities into healthier places to work and live.

Blue Zones are places in the world where people live happier, healthier and longer lives.

On Tuesday, Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett urged everyone in Cedar Rapids to pledge support online for the city's application to become a Blue Zones community.

Cedar Rapids is one of 58 Iowa communities invited to apply for the project. The city must demonstrate community-wide support to implement and sustain healthy changes recommended by the Blue Zones team of experts.

More about the city's bid for the Blue Zones Project can be found at: www.Cedar-Rapids.org.

To pledge support, go to

www.GetActiveCR.com before January 31.