A recently released study shows Oklahoma ranks just above dead last, compared to the health of other states.
Officials at the Tulsa Health Department say this isn't new territory for Oklahoma. For the last ten years, according to a variety of different studies, Oklahoma has been among the un-healthiest states in the country
According to local health officials, there are three major contributing factors to poor health, smoking, poor nutrition and a lack of physical activity.
The just-released "America's Health Ranking's" study points to the same issues, keying in on smoking and obesity as two big trouble spots.
The study notes that while the total number of Oklahoma smokers has gone down, the number of people getting treated for smoking-related illnesses has gone up.
Local officials say the best way to move ahead in these state rankings is prevention, on a statewide level and with better personal choices.
"There is certainly lack of money spent on preventive measures and we certainly advocate, as healthcare officials, that we spend more money on prevention and less money on treatment," said Melanie Christian with the Tulsa Health Department.
The only state that ranks below Oklahoma is Mississippi, according to the study some of the major problems there are also obesity, along with heart disease and a high infant mortality rate.
Vermont ranks number one. The study shows a high graduation rate, low poverty levels and low obesity contribute to their success.
