Oklahoma ranks low but improves in national health study

When it comes to health, Oklahoma doesn't score well among the 50 states. <br/><br/>In fact, we place 40th. There are a number of reasons for the low ranking. <br/><br/>Oklahoma has a rate of more

Tuesday, November 9th 2004, 5:34 am

By: News On 6

When it comes to health, Oklahoma doesn't score well among the 50 states.

In fact, we place 40th. There are a number of reasons for the low ranking.

Oklahoma has a rate of more than 411 deaths from cardiovascular disease per 100,000 people, that's 50th in the nation.

There's also low access to adequate prenatal care.

And, one-fifth of Oklahomans are uninsured.

Obesity is also a problem. Nearly one-fourth of all Oklahomans are considered obese.

The health ranking news is not all bad. The state moved up five positions in its overall ranking, compared to a year ago.