News Articles

Notable differences in the health of women and children exist across – and often even within – states according to some of the key findings of United Health Foundation’s 2016 America’s Health Rankings Health of Women and Children Report. The new report includes an in-depth look at more than 60 measures of health and well-being, selected by a steering group of women’s and children’s health experts.

Middle-aged Americans face significant health challenges, but on-the-ground programs offer key insights into how to curb the impact of chronic disease.

Adults who engage in three or more unhealthy behaviors are 6.1 times more likely to have fair or poor health than those who have no unhealthy behaviors, says a new report from United Health Foundation. America’s Health Rankings® Spotlight: Impact of Unhealthy Behaviors offers new insights into the prevalence and distribution of unhealthy behaviors and their effect on public health and the cost of medical care.

Preventive screenings and services are an important step in enhancing people’s health and quality of life, and are critical to improving the overall health system. The 2016 America’s Health Rankings® Spotlight: Prevention report, published by the United Health Foundation and co-released with the American College of Preventive Medicine, shines an important light on the gaps in use of preventive services and areas for health system improvement.

We all have our favorite summer traditions that we look forward to as the weather gets warmer. For me, it’s the abundance of fresh, ripe fruits and vegetables—and enjoying them with family and friends. There’s nothing like a farmers' market peach or fresh carrots from a local garden.

United Health Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings® Senior Report offers us a comprehensive picture of senior health across the nation, highlighting areas where seniors have made strides, while also shedding light on key challenges that remain. As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Medicare and Medicaid programs, this year is an especially important time to reflect on where we are making progress and where we need to direct more resources and attention.

In my work with the Hispanic/Latino community, I see firsthand the effects of health disparities in our country. While I’ve seen great progress in recent years in addressing these disparities and in finding solutions for better health for all populations, great challenges remain.

I was thrilled last December when I heard that Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, accepted the United Health Foundation’s invitation to participate in the 25 on 25 Thought Leader Perspectives initiative, which was a significant component of the 25th anniversary of United Health Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings®.

Earlier this month, I couldn’t help but smile at all the red and pink hearts that decorated the businesses around my home and at all the advertisements reminding me to show my love with gifts of flowers and chocolates.