Hawaii ranks 7th in nation for health of women, children

Hawaii ranked seventh for the best overall health among women and children in a national report released Tuesday by the United Health Foundation.

The state’s ranking was based on its low percentage of uninsured women and cesarean deliveries, as well as safe neighborhoods for children, according to the 2016 America’s Health Rankings Health of Women and Children Report. The group is part of the UnitedHealthcare insurance company, based in Minnesota.

“While health care is important for the overall health of women and children, a very important contributor to health is home environment and supportive neighborhoods,” said Dr. Ana Fuentevilla, UnitedHealthcare’s national chief medical officer, based in Arizona. “Health care alone isn’t enough to ensure good health.”

However, the state still faces significant challenges, including a high prevalence of unintended pregnancies, low percentage of home health visits and prenatal care, as well as a low percentage of fluoridated water.

While Hawaii was among the lowest in the nation for obesity prevalence among women, it ranks 22nd in physical inactivity and 20th in diabetes, the report said.

Despite good health insurance coverage for children, the state still ranked near the bottom — 48th — for the high number of homeless families.

“Those things can really lead to unhealthy behaviors and chronic conditions,” Fuentevilla said. “Addressing homelessness in Hawaii is an obvious area of opportunity. If you can solve homelessness, it really will improve the health of the Hawaiian people.”