With Higher Smoking Rates, Indiana Falls In Health Rankings

Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 6:53 AM

By Mary Kuhlman, Indiana News Service

Smoking has increased in Indiana in the past two years, while decreasing in many other states.

Photo by Brun-nO/Pixabay.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Indiana is facing serious health challenges, according to an annual state-by-state ranking of key health indicators. 

The America's Health Rankings 2018 report released on Wednesday places Indiana 41st among states, down from 38th in 2017. 

Dr. Rhonda Randall, senior medical adviser with United Health Foundation, is especially concerned about smoking in Indiana, which rose 6 percent while decreasing in many other states.

"Other areas where Indiana is challenged are in the number of cancer deaths and a high infant mortality rate, and those two may have some linkages with the increase in smoking," she states.

Randall says the prevalence of obesity is of greatest concern at the national level. It now impacts 31 percent of adults and is a primary contributor to heart disease and cancer. 

Indiana's adult obesity rate is slightly higher at 33 percent.

On the bright side, Randall notes, childhood poverty has decreased 19 percent nationally in the past five years.

"Childhood poverty is a key indicator of socioeconomic status, and we know that children who are living in poverty have greater challenges for health for the rest of their life," she states. "So the fact that childhood poverty is decreasing is a good suggestion that, over the course of their lifetime, we're setting them on a path to better health."

Randall says the findings can help people focus on areas where they can improve behaviors that impact their health. 

With smoking, for example, she says it's understandable that quitting is a challenge. 

"What will motivate you and hold yourself accountable?" she states. "And recognize that comprehensive support and sometimes medication-assisted therapy for tobacco cessation can really be a big help in doing that. See if you can get support from family and others who are around you."

Randall adds that health professionals, public health leaders and policymakers can use the report to examine ways to better support people in their communities in all aspects of their health.

More from Local News


Events

City of Greendale Give Name to New Fisherman-Lamppost

The lamppost can be found at Schnebelt Park.

Planned Water Outage July 14 in Dillsboro

The outage is expected to last about an hour.

Kids Discovery Factory Hosts 13th Annual STEAM Camp

The event inspired over 150 young innovators in Batesville.

DCF's 24th Annual Golf Scramble Fundraiser Set for August 4

The round will be played at Hidden Valley Golf Club.

EC at L'Burg Kicks Off 2025 High School Football Broadcast Schedule

See where Eagle Country 99.3 is going to be each week of the regular season.

Former Lawrenceburg Standouts in New College Football Video Game

How cool it must be to be in a video game.

On Air

Oak Ridge Boys Thank God for Kids 8:52
For King & Country and Lee Brice Checking In - PEC ONLY 8:49
Jeff Bates The Love Song 8:45
Statler Brothers Just A Little Walk With Jesus - PEC ONLY 8:39