A recent study by Forbes Advisor determined that Kentucky is among the states with the least healthy populations in the country. The key lifestyle risks for chronic disease include tobacco use, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity and excessive alcohol use, the CDC said. Eight of the 10 least healthy states are Southern states: West Virginia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Alabama, Louisiana and Oklahoma. Kentucky stands out as the state with the:Third highest cancer mortality rate (178.27 deaths per 100,000 state residents). Additionally, Kentucky has the seventh highest rate of both heart disease deaths (206.13 deaths per 100,000 state residents) and kidney disease deaths (18.5 deaths per 100,000 state residents).

Source: Forbes January 10, 2024 13:23 UTC