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Hurricane Helene charges toward Florida's Gulf Coast, expected to strike late today as a dangerous storm; Millions of Illinois' convenient voting method gains popularity; House task force holds first hearing today to investigate near assassination of Donald Trump in Pennsylvania; New report finds Muslim students in New York face high levels of discrimination in school.

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Biden says all-out-war is threatening in the Middle East, as tensions rise. Congress averts a government shutdown, sending stopgap funding to the president's desk and an election expert calls Georgia's latest election rule a really bad idea.

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The presidential election is imminent and young rural voters say they still feel ignored, it's leaf peeping season in New England but some fear climate change could mute fall colors, and Minnesota's mental health advocates want more options for troubled youth.

Report: CA needs work on air pollution, colorectal cancer screenings

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Wednesday, December 20, 2023   

The 2023 America's Health Rankings report is out, and the news is not great for the Golden State in three very different areas.

California ranks worst among the states for high school graduation, colorectal cancer screenings and air pollution. Advocates for cleaner air blame the state's pollution problems primarily on the transportation sector.

Mariela Ruacho, clean air senior advocacy manager for the American Lung Association-California, noted the Environmental Protection Agency is currently considering strict limits on emissions from cars and heavy trucks.

"By meeting our clean air and climate goals, we will also be improving public health," Ruacho contended. "Especially for Californians who live close to highways, major roadways and warehouses."

The state has generated maps of regions with high colorectal cancer rates to promote screenings in those communities. And school districts offer counseling to help struggling students make it to graduation. The report also praised California's strong climate policies, comparatively lower rates of mental distress, and a lower percentage of people with multiple chronic health conditions.

Nationally, however, the data show eight chronic conditions have reached the highest prevalence in the report's history. They include arthritis, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression and diabetes.

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer of employer and individual for UnitedHealthcare, which sponsors the report, said the research revealed some bright spots.

"The number of mental health professionals in our country increased 7%," Randall outlined. "The number of dental professionals increased 7%. The percentage of uninsured decreased by 7%. Occupational fatalities went down. Smoking is now the lowest it's been. High speed internet is the highest we've measured it."

The report also found a 13% decrease in the number of primary care physicians during the pandemic.

Disclosure: UnitedHealthcare contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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