Despite several obstacles, Oklahoma sees some health improvements

“Health is such an important issue in Oklahoma because it affects both our quality of life and our economy,” Fallin said.

“For families, poor health can mean personal tragedy and medical bills that break the bank. For businesses, it means lower workforce productivity. That's why it's so important to continue this forward momentum.”

Improvement steady

The United Health Foundation annual report ranks states on residents' health and health access and also on environmental issues and health policies.

Oklahoma's overall rank has increased gradually over the past four years, according to the report.

In 2011, Oklahoma ranked No. 46.

Over the past 23 years, Oklahoma has seen its ranking range from No. 32 in the early 1990s to No. 49 in 2007 and 2009.

This year, the state ranked higher than Kentucky, Alabama, South Carolina, West Virginia, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Oklahoma still faces its challenges, with a high prevalence of smoking, sedentary lifestyle, obesity and diabetes, a limited availability of primary care physicians and a high rate of cardiovascular deaths, according to the report.

Infant deaths drop

The report has several factors it uses to determine a state's ranking.

Within the report, Oklahoma received its worst ranking in its number of primary care physicians per 100,000 people, ranking No. 49 in the nation. The state received its best ranking in the percentage of adults who indulge in binge drinking, coming in at No. 12 in the nation.