JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
"Mississippi's health is in critical condition," said Dr. Tom Joiner with the Mississippi Medical Association.
The public health report card was released by the association and much to no surprise, Mississippi is not getting a clean bill of health this time around.
"Mississippi ranks last or next to last in almost all categories," said Joiner.
The state continues to rank number one in adult obesity and heart disease deaths, number two in hypertension cases, number three in diabetes and number four in adult tobacco use which is about 23% of the state's adult population.
"We don't do very well in a lot of the statistics," said state health officer, Dr. Mary Currier.
Currier says changing those rankings must start on the personal level.
"These are all things that we can do something about if we personally make an effort," said Currier.
Exercise is a good place to start for turning health issues around followed by a better diet and health screenings. The largest threat to Mississippi's health is obesity, which Currier says is often a vehicle to other health problems.
"It's not that hard if you do a little something everyday especially regarding obesity," said Currier.
If you ask Dr. Joiner, a healthier Mississippi starts with an educated Mississippi.
"We can bring you the information, we can tell you that obesity is bad for you, we can tell you that smoking is bad for you but it's lifestyle changes and those are the things that are the most difficult to treat. Those are the things that need to start with our children and with our grandchildren and needs to start in the public schools," said Joiner.
The report card is now in the hands of lawmakers as the medical community continues to take the pulse on Mississippi's health.
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