INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — A new national study sheds light on health challenges and successes in Indiana.
The annual Robert Wood Johnson Foundation report ranks all 92 counties in statistics that include overall health and quality of life.
It identifies a big improvement in 2019 for White and Decatur counties, while Owen and Brown have lost major points.
So, where in Indiana is life the healthiest?
The study says Hamilton, Hendricks, Boone and Hancock counties are healthiest. They identify the most challenged as Madison, Wayne, Grant and Fayette counties.
The criteria for the results include exercise and access to it. Take, for example, programs like Yoga on the Canal in downtown Indianapolis.
Researchers also look at how many adults smoke and have access to testing like mammography screenings.
Something many people may find interesting is that it also includes how many people drive to work alone. That is used in the score because it can impact the environment and the air we breathe.
County leaders can use this data to make improvements in their community.
Click here to see the full results which allows you to click on the different counties and criteria for a full breakdown.