Based on a mix of factors, including personal health (such as exercise and obesity), clinical care, health insurance coverage, and health care policies the nonprofit United Health Foundation in partnership with the American Public Health Association and the Partnership for Prevention published a new "healthiest state" ranking.

The healthiest are:

Minnesota

Vermont

New Hampshire

Hawaii

Connecticut

Minnesota has topped the annual list 11 times since 1990. Minnesota's strengths include a low rate of heart disease deaths, a low premature death rate, and a low percentage of people without health insurance.

At the bottom of the list:

Arkansas

Tennessee

South Carolina

Mississippi

Louisiana

SOURCES: United Health Foundation: "America's Health Rankings: A Call to Action for People and Their Communities," 2006 edition. News release, United Health Foundation.