N.J. is 8th-healthiest state, Pa. and Del. in middle of pack

    New Jersey is the eighth-healthiest state in the nations, according to the United Health Foundation’s annual rankings.

    Lower smoking and obesity rates, fewer infectious diseases, more access to doctors and higher education rates helped the state earn its near-top spot on the list.It was No. 17 last year.

    Pennsylvania and Delaware are in the middle of the pack at Nos. 26 and 31, respectively.

    Vermont is celebrating four consecutive years in the top spot with Hawaii, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Minnesota behind it. South Carolina, West Virginia, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi are in the bottom five. Mississippi and Louisiana share the No. 49 rank.

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