California 23rd in National Health Ranking

California ranked fourth in the nation for the highest percentage -- 19% -- of uninsured residents, according to a study released Tuesday by the United Health Foundation, the Los Angeles Daily News reports (Bartholomew, Los Angeles Daily News, 12/6). The study ranked California the 23rd healthiest state in the nation, down one spot from last year (Sacramento Business Journal, 12/5).

The 17th annual study analyzed 20 health factors in every state. The study found that almost 25% of California residents are obese, compared with 10% in 1990.

The percentage of smokers in California increased to 15%, but the state had the second-lowest rate of tobacco use, the study found (Los Angeles Daily News, 12/6).

The study also found that California ranked:

• 41st in immunization coverage;
  
• 41st in incidence of infectious disease (Sacramento Business Journal, 12/5);
  
• 43rd in cancer deaths; and
  
• 48th in infant mortality rate (Los Angeles Daily News, 12/6).