Utah ranked No. 2 healthiest state
By Carrie A. Moore
Deseret News
If you worked out, took the stairs, ate an apple or chose water over soda for lunch Tuesday, yours were among the millions of daily choices Utahns make to rank as the second healthiest state in the nation.
New data released in the United Health Foundation's 20th annual America's Health Rankings rate the Beehive State second only to Vermont in a broad measure of health and overall physical well-being. Utah ranked fifth last year, so the newest rating is a significant boost, health officials said.
The yearly report credited Utah with the lowest rates in the nation for smoking, cancer deaths, infant mortality and binge drinking, but found the availability of primary care physicians here limited compared with other areas.
It also noted a high "geographic disparity" regarding access to health services for those in remote rural areas, and cited a low rate of funding for public health as significant health challenges.
Utah's ranking was a pleasant surprise to health officials, who often deal with both the results of poor health choices and a relatively large gap in funding for public health programs.
Utah's spending was $60 per person for public health last year, compared with a national average of $94 per person and $150 per person in Vermont.
Dr. David Sundwall, executive director of the Utah Department of Health, said he was surprised and pleased by the jump in rank.
"It's obviously a continuation of a cultural predisposition to healthy behaviors, and I'm grateful to have people living here who care about their health," he said.
Sundwall was particularly pleased that the boost "comes at a time when the state is increasingly diverse."
"We can't just say anymore that those white Mormons are healthy people," he said. "We have to assume some of these improvements are due both to public health practices and state policies," including a legislative mandate that children in Utah who meet the income guidelines qualify for government-funded health insurance.
Dr. Elizabeth Joy, a family and sports medicine physician at the University of Utah, said she was a bit surprised by Utah's high ranking as well, though "there are a lot of really good things about the lifestyle here that provide us with good health as a state."
Though Utah's rate of obesity continues to increase at about the same rate as the rest of the nation, "we have a lower rate overall and a much lower rate than some parts of the nation, especially in the Southeast," Joy said.
Sundwall said he takes no comfort in the fact that Utahns were fifth best in the nation in the percentage of obese residents, noting 23 percent of Utahns still fall into that category.
"We are not yet getting fat as fast as the rest of the nation is," he said. "However, we are on a quick track of getting there."
Health promotion will continue to be needed, particularly among young people, Joy said. She's hoping to see a bill introduced during the upcoming legislative session that will restrict the vending machine choices available in the state's middle schools.
"Fat kids and fat adolescents become fat adults," she said. "If you're fat as a kid, your risk of obesity as an adult is almost guaranteed. It's a habitual as well as a physiological change that occurs as a result of the environment our bodies are exposed to."
The report praised Utah for its efforts in preventing infant mortality, noting the state's rate has dropped by 45 percent over the 20 years the health rankings report has been published. It also noted the decreasing rate of uninsured residents.
Utah has consistently ranked among the top 10 healthiest states in the 20 years the report has been published.
Pitfalls & Solutions
As a homeowner considering a short sale, it is important you understand the process. Following are some of the most common mistakes agents and homeowners make when handling a short sale.
Your Property is Priced Incorrectly
Pitfall: Your Property is Priced IncorrectlyThis is the most common mistake made with all properties, and the most common reason a property doesn’t sell.
Solution: Agent Providing Understanding and Transparency Your real estate agent will go through a detailed listing price strategy with you, allowing you to see exactly where your property should be priced based on its current condition, sales in your area, and most importantly, how much time you have left to sell.
Your Short Sale Proposal is Incomplete
Pitfall: Your Short Sale Proposal is IncompleteThis is one of the most frequently seen causes for the rejection of short sales proposals. Most agents do not understand the short sale process and what your lender will be looking for.
Solution: Understand All Aspects of the ProcessYour agent should understand the short sale process in detail and be able to explain it clearly. The agent should also be able to communicate effectively with both you and lenders to produce a complete and cohesive proposal.
There has been Inadequate Follow-up and Communication
Pitfall: There has been Inadequate Follow-up and CommunicationAs your property goes through each stage of the short sale process, an agent can jeopardize the transaction by not properly communicating with everyone involved. As the homeowner, you may not know that your file has been delayed, and that you again may run out of time to close and avoid foreclosure.
Solution: Select an Agent With ExperienceThe right agent knows exactly how to follow up to ensure that your lender’s issues are addressed in a timely manner, and will make certain you do not have unnecessary delays.
Not Enough Time
Pitfall: There Isn’t Enough TimeIt is critical that your agent understands the foreclosure laws in your area. They should be able to show you an estimated timeline for the process, from start to closing. In addition, they should know how to communicate with your lender. Certain information can be provided to lenders to postpone your foreclosure for weeks or months in order to negotiate a sale.
Solution: Provide Accurate and Useful InformationMake sure you provide your agent accurate information as to exactly how many payments you have missed and any correspondence you have received from your lender. This will allow your agent to understand your situation and work to improve it.
Your Deal is Not Submitted Properly
Pitfall: Your Deal is Not Submitted ProperlyIf you do not follow the directions you receive for submission, then you are expecting an over-worked, under-staffed department to go out of their way to handle your file. There is very little likelihood of this situation working out in your favor.
Solution: Follow Instructions CloselyIf you are instructed to fax your file, fax it and send a backup copy in the mail. If you are instructed to mail two copies, mail two copies. When you reach the point of having a contract, all your information, and a completed proposal, you do not want your deal to fall apart because no one sees it.
The Buyer’s Offer is Too Low
Pitfall: The Buyer’s Offer is Too LowMany agents will encourage you to submit any offer that comes in. The reality is that a short sale is not the same as a fire sale. In order to have a legitimate chance of getting your deal approved, you must have an offer that is more attractive to the lender than a foreclosure.
Solution: Proper NegotiationThe right agent will work with you to properly negotiate any offer that you receive to get ‘highest and best’ from each potential buyer. This ensures you are presenting the best possible solution to your lender.
The Buyer’s Contract is Not Strong Enough
Pitfall: The Buyer’s Contract is Not Strong EnoughEspecially in our current economic climate, willingness to make an offer on a property does not mean that a buyer is truly qualified to purchase. The reality is that buyers need to be preapproved for financing, closing funds must be verified, and their ability to buy needs to be confirmed.
Solution: An Agent Familiar with Qualifying BuyersYour agent should be familiar with what must be verified in order to qualify a buyer to submit an offer on your property. Otherwise, these offers may have little chance of closing. Don’t risk this process with an uneducated agent who does not appreciate this aspect of short sales.
In conclusion, While these pitfalls may seem troublesome, the right agent can help you navigate your way to a successful closing. Don’t endanger your financial future and the potential sale of your home with an agent who does not fully understand the process. CDPE-designated agents have completed extensive training in the short sale process, and in assisting struggling homeowners who need real solutions. They understand what you are going through, and are here to serve and help save your family’s interests
