Statistics have been released that show where the state of Wisconsin ranks in regards to health in comparison to the other states. The Gallup-Healthways wellbeing index is a very interesting resource for looking at the health trends that are a part of our lives.
The report ranks Wisconsin at 20th in the nation in overall health score. Hawaii, Colorado and Minnesota are ranked as the top three. Illinois is ranked at 28th. It is interesting to look at the break down of health scores within the state of Wisconsin. The areas near the twin cities of Minnesota score better, and the far southeast corner of the state near Chicago scores worse.
Some of the statistics follow expectations. For instance, healthy lifestyle habits are more common in the spring and summer and decline in the fall and winter. The statistics also show very close correlation between the years 2011 and 2012 indicating no radical shifts in health trends, especially when compared to the health statistics for 2009.
Overall health statistics can give a picture of the overall health trends of the population. These statistics of course mean little to the individual. The statistics do have one very important point for the individual. The statisticians used many indicators in the evaluation. It is a reminder to everyone that health is not just a matter of physical health. As the reports point out, health is also a matter of emotional health and how that relates to work, lifestyle and overall outlook on life.
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