Well-being of the nation: The 5 healthiest, 5 least healthy states

As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, the concept of well-being has become more significant in all aspects of American life. A survey by Total Brain from March 2020 revealed that 58 percent of U.S. workers were suffering from anxiety brought on by the pandemic, and 34 percent of respondents were looking to their employers for help. Consequently, many employers have stepped up to expand resources for their employees and address their needs. A new study, however, suggests that achieving a sense of well-being is easier in some parts of the country than others. Related: Key trends driving America's healthiest employers Sharecare, a digital health company, has been compiling its Well-Being Index over the past decade. The Index has aimed to benchmark the nation's health by helping states and communities to understand health risk and opportunity across the following domains:

• Purpose: liking what you do each day and being motivated to achieve your goals
• Social: having supportive relationships and love in your life
• Financial: managing your economic life to increase security and reduce stress
• Community: liking where you live, feeling safe, and having pride in your community
• Physical: having good health and enough energy to get things done daily

"Recognizing the hyperlocal nature of health, it is critical to create environments that foster a culture of well-being and support individuals in better understanding their own community and how to navigate it for better health," the study states. "In addition," the study continues, "as we embrace a new normal in light of COVID-19, it is paramount that we realize 'community' encompasses both physical and digital connection points to further promote well-being. Through a combined high-touch and high-tech approach to community transformation, individuals can engage in both their own health journeys and their communities' collective health journeys on a daily basis." For their 2019 rankings, Sharecare partnered with the Boston University School of Public Health to collect over 360,000 surveys in an effort to reflect census-based representation. The company also changed its statistical approach in order to include increased coverage in rural and underserved areas. The latest report sees new states ranking first and 50th, although overall the list does not differ greatly from the 2018 rankings. See our slideshow above for the top and bottom five states for well-being, and click here for the full study. Read more: 

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