Study Ranks Minnesota As 5th Healthiest State

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Even though many Minnesotans are sedentary, and almost 300,000 have diabetes, a national study lists us as the fifth healthiest state.

America's Health Ranking is based on 24 different factors.

They consider premature birth, cancer and heart disease. As well as tobacco and alcohol abuse, in addition to exercise.

Minnesota has some of the lowest numbers for sedentary lifestyle and diabetes. But it ranks high for binge drinking.

If you're keeping score, here's the order of healthiest states: starting with Vermont, then Hawaii, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Followed by Minnesota.

Mississippi and Louisiana are ranked last.