OK is NOT OK in Health

Why are we dying so much faster than the rest of the country?

Probably because we smoke more, eat worse food and. . .well, that sums up the new report from the United Health Foundation.The death rate in Oklahoma is 23% higher than the national average.  You know and like a lot of people in this great state.  You don't want to see them gone earlier than they should be. . .but that seems to be the case.

So, what is killing Oklahoma?  Heart Disease, Diabetes, lack of physical activity and smoking.

32% of our population is obese.  That beats the national average of 27%.  Over 25% of Okies smoke compared to the almost 18% nation-wide.

Here's the good news:  we DO spend a lot on public health.  We ranked 14th in spending.  Maybe that is because we're all in such bad shape!  That spending doesn't seem to be combating the ranking of 46th in overall health of our population.

So, today:  stop smoking for a little while, pick something healthy for dinner and get up and walk around a little.  You don't have to change the world overnight. . .but maybe it will kick-start some new habits.