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Newsweek
a day ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Map Shows Worst US States for Lung Health
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Due to a combination of smoking rates, regional climates and air pollution, the health of Americans' lungs varies immensely from state to state, according to a new report. A new study by Opera Beds, a specialist in clinically oriented mattresses and pressure-care systems, ranked the worst states for lung health in the U.S., drawing on data from the American Lung Association, the EPA and additional sources. Why It Matters Lung health in the U.S. is a significant public health concern, with millions suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), thousands dying each year from respiratory illnesses and similar numbers being lost to lung cancer. Millions of dollars have been devoted to researching the causes and consequences of lung health issues in the U.S., and the disparity in the health levels across the country highlights how factors such as smoking rates and air quality contributes to these outcomes. This photo illustration shows a man holding a cigarette on August 1, 2023, in Montreal. This photo illustration shows a man holding a cigarette on August 1, 2023, in Montreal. ANDREJ IVANOV / AFP/Getty Images What To Know Opera Beds issued their rankings based on smoking rates, the coverage of anti-smoking policies and air pollution—measured in micrograms of pollutants per cubic meter (µg/m³)—while also factoring in things such as temperature and humidity in each state. The resulting "lung health" scores are shown below on the map created by Newsweek, alongside the rankings of the ten worst states for lung health. With a score of 4.04 out of ten, Indiana ranked as the worst in the country for lung health in the study. The state has an adult smoking rate of 16.2 percent, compared to the national average of around 11 percent. Opera Beds also found that only 31.5 percent of the population is covered by smokefree indoor air policies which prohibit smoking in bars, restaurants and workplaces. Indiana was followed by Ohio and Alaska, with respective scores of 4.72 and 4.79. The rest of the top 10 featured Pennsylvania, Michigan, Nevada, Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi and Kentucky. On the other end of the list, Colorado and Hawaii were found to be the states with the best lung health, each earning a score of 9.11 out of ten. Both states benefit from lower smoking rates and enjoy reduced levels of air pollution. Overall, the top ten states largely outperform the bottom ten across these factors, though California stands out as an exception, as it maintains high overall score despite elevated air pollution levels relative to other states. What People Are Saying Opera Beds wrote in its report: "According to our data, the West Coast is the best place to live in the U.S. in terms of lung health. Six of the top 10 states are located on the western side of the country, with Colorado, Hawaii, and New Mexico making up the top three. This suggests that those on the West Coast may be less likely to develop respiratory conditions like COPD, due to better air quality, humidity levels, and average temperatures. It may also be a viable option for those relocating to another state to improve their lung health."
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Ohio one of the worst states for lung health in America, according to recent analysis
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio is one of the worst states in the country for lung health, according to a recent study. Opera Beds, a hospital bed manufacturer, analyzed multiple factors for each American state to discover which offer the best and worst environments for lung health. Factors included smoking rates, humidity levels, air pollution and toxins. The company used data from sources such as the American Lung Association and United Health Foundation. Each state was given a score out of 10, with a 10 representing the best conditions for lung health. What Ohio State is and is not changing to comply with Senate Bill 1 The study found that Ohio was the second-worst state for lung health, earning a score of 4.72 out of 10. The company said due to the state's large population and 'strong industrial presence,' it has relatively poor air quality. Additionally, its average relative humidity is 71.5%, which is 11.5% over the ideal bracket for lung health. The Buckeye State was only preceded by Indiana, which earned a score of 4.04. Indiana residents are exposed to a high amount of air pollution and toxic chemicals in the air, thanks to its numerous coal-fired power plants, according to the study. The third-worst state for lung health was Alaska, with a score of 4.79, which was followed by Pennsylvania (4.82) and Michigan (4.99). The best state for lung health was Colorado, which boasted a score of 9.11 and had an air pollution level 'notably' below the national average. Colorado was followed by Hawaii (9.11), New Mexico (8.87), Maryland (8.80) and Nebraska (8.43). The full study can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Tom's Guide
15-06-2025
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Your morning shower is ruining your nighttime sleep, says expert — here's why
There's nothing like a refreshing shower in the morning to kickstart your day. However, if you're struggling to sleep this summer, that step in your morning routine may be to blame. Yes, while 60% of Americans like to shower in the morning, NHS physician Dr Tim Mercer at Opera Beds says it may be wise to switch to an evening shower to improve your sleep. And, no, it's not because a nice, warm shower before bed is relaxing. It actually all comes down to a particular reason regarding hygiene. So, if you're a morning showerer or prefer an evening rinse, read on to discover why your sleep hinges on your showering schedule. An evening shower is better for sleep for a particular reason: allergies. "Allergies can hit hard, especially at night," says Dr Mercer. 'For many, that means disrupted sleep, itchy eyes, and endless sneezing." Mercer explains that we collect allergens such as pollen or dust mites throughout the day, so you're likely taking all these allergens to bed with you by not showering in the evening. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. "Pollen also clings to clothes, hair, and bedding, creating an invisible storm of irritation," the physician says. "You can shower before bed to wash off pollen, stopping it from transferring to your pillow." For more advice about allergies and sleep read our guide on how to sleep with allergies. If you're debating whether a hot vs cold shower is better for sleep, research and sleep experts tend to lean towards warm. A 2019 review of 13 studies found a warm bath or shower between 40 and 42.5 °C improved sleep quality and efficiency. "A warm shower taken one to two hours before bedtime triggers vasodilation (blood vessel expansion) in your extremities, which helps dissipate core body heat more efficiently afterward," Dr. David Rosen, medical director at sleep apnea treatment company Complete Sleep, recently told Tom's Guide. "This enhances your natural temperature drop." While a warm shower can prepare you for bed, showering too close to your bedtime may actually ruin your sleep. Like Dr Rosen mentioned above, try to shower around one to two hours before shuteye. Studies have shown that aromatherapy can improve sleep and relaxation, so try incorporating soothing scents into your evening shower. You can introduce relaxing scents through soaps or even shower mists, selecting products with calming fragrances such eucalyptus (which research shows can reduce congestion and sleep apnea) and lavender (studies show it increases quality of sleep and reduce anxiety).
Miami Herald
28-05-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
US Shutting Nursing Facilities Despite Ageing Population
The number of nursing facilities in the United States has declined sharply despite a rapid growth in the country's ageing population. More than 820 nursing facilities closed across the U.S. between 2015 and 2024, according to the hospital bed company Opera Beds. It revealed that 45 out of 51 states saw a reduction in nursing facilities despite a nationwide increase in the older population. It comes as more than 60 percent of states saw an increase in their citizens aged 85 and older between 2013 and 2023. The trend threatens to put increasing strain on remaining nursing facilities and homecare services across the country. States with the fastest-ageing populations, such as Alaska, may need to invest substantially more money in healthcare services for the elderly in the coming years. America's ageing population also poses significant economic challenges when combined with the country's declining birth rate. These include a drop in the working-age population, falling tax revenues, and an increase in individuals reliant on tax-based services like Social Security. According to Opera Beds, America's population aged 85 and over grew by around 39 percent between 2003 and 2023, significantly higher than the wider population at around 17 percent. Nevada saw the largest growth in its 85+ population over this period at 127 percent, followed by Alaska at 122 percent, and Hawaii at 100 percent. These three states in particular face significant strains given the relative drop in facilities, along with the rising cost of living, the researchers warn. Between 2015 and 2024, Opera Beds found that Montana saw the sharpest decline in nursing facilities, falling by 28 percent; followed by Maine on 21 percent; and Massachusetts on 17 percent. The findings revealed that Arizona is the least prepared to care for its ageing population, with only 142 nursing facilities. This means there are 1,050 individuals over the age of 85 per available facility. Arizona is followed by Hawaii on 958 individuals per facility, and Florida on 836. Meanwhile, Iowa is best prepared to care for its ageing population with 412 nursing facilities, and one per 174 residents over the age of 85. "The state's strong infrastructure for elderly care may be attributed to its rural composition and policies emphasizing accessible healthcare services for older residents," the report stated. "Additionally, Iowa's long-standing commitment to senior care ensures its ageing population has more options for assisted living and skilled nursing care than in many other states." Opera Beds used data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the health policy research organization KFF. Opera Beds wrote in its report: "The United States is experiencing a significant demographic shift as its population ages rapidly, with projections indicating a substantial increase in the number of older adults in the coming decades. As the proportion of individuals aged 60 and above grows, the strain on healthcare and homecare services... is becoming more apparent." James Pomeroy, global economist at HSBC, told Newsweek previously that America's ageing population represented a "massive problem" when combined with the declining birth rate. "In the U.S., the number of over-65s is expected to rise by more than 1.5 percent per year every year for the next decade," he said. "That means that when birth rates are so low, population pyramids becoming inverted very quickly. Less migration takes people out of the middle section of that pyramid, too, so you would expect the share of the U.S. population of pensionable age to rise quickly in the coming years as a result, which brings big social and economic change." Opera Beds projects a substantial increase in the U.S. population aged 85 and older by 2043, estimating that Alaska could see its share more than double to two percent of the state's population. Related Articles Republicans' Chances of Flipping New York Governor Seat, According to PollsSome People in Florida Advised To Stay Inside Amid Warning of Saharan DustAmerican Bishops' War With Trump Admin Is Heating Up 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
28-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
US Shutting Nursing Facilities Despite Ageing Population
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The number of nursing facilities in the United States has declined sharply despite a rapid growth in the country's ageing population. More than 820 nursing facilities closed across the U.S. between 2015 and 2024, according to the hospital bed company Opera Beds. It revealed that 45 out of 51 states saw a reduction in nursing facilities despite a nationwide increase in the older population. It comes as more than 60 percent of states saw an increase in their citizens aged 85 and older between 2013 and 2023. A nursing home in Simla, Colorado, in 2020. A nursing home in Simla, Colorado, in It Matters The trend threatens to put increasing strain on remaining nursing facilities and homecare services across the country. States with the fastest-ageing populations, such as Alaska, may need to invest substantially more money in healthcare services for the elderly in the coming years. America's ageing population also poses significant economic challenges when combined with the country's declining birth rate. These include a drop in the working-age population, falling tax revenues, and an increase in individuals reliant on tax-based services like Social Security. What To Know According to Opera Beds, America's population aged 85 and over grew by around 39 percent between 2003 and 2023, significantly higher than the wider population at around 17 percent. Nevada saw the largest growth in its 85+ population over this period at 127 percent, followed by Alaska at 122 percent, and Hawaii at 100 percent. These three states in particular face significant strains given the relative drop in facilities, along with the rising cost of living, the researchers warn. Opera Beds' chart showing the states which have seen the greatest increase in their 85+ populations between 2003 and 2023. Opera Beds' chart showing the states which have seen the greatest increase in their 85+ populations between 2003 and 2023. Between 2015 and 2024, Opera Beds found that Montana saw the sharpest decline in nursing facilities, falling by 28 percent; followed by Maine on 21 percent; and Massachusetts on 17 percent. The findings revealed that Arizona is the least prepared to care for its ageing population, with only 142 nursing facilities. This means there are 1,050 individuals over the age of 85 per available facility. Arizona is followed by Hawaii on 958 individuals per facility, and Florida on 836. Meanwhile, Iowa is best prepared to care for its ageing population with 412 nursing facilities, and one per 174 residents over the age of 85. "The state's strong infrastructure for elderly care may be attributed to its rural composition and policies emphasizing accessible healthcare services for older residents," the report stated. "Additionally, Iowa's long-standing commitment to senior care ensures its ageing population has more options for assisted living and skilled nursing care than in many other states." Opera Beds used data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the health policy research organization KFF. What People Are Saying Opera Beds wrote in its report: "The United States is experiencing a significant demographic shift as its population ages rapidly, with projections indicating a substantial increase in the number of older adults in the coming decades. As the proportion of individuals aged 60 and above grows, the strain on healthcare and homecare services... is becoming more apparent." James Pomeroy, global economist at HSBC, told Newsweek previously that America's ageing population represented a "massive problem" when combined with the declining birth rate. "In the U.S., the number of over-65s is expected to rise by more than 1.5 percent per year every year for the next decade," he said. "That means that when birth rates are so low, population pyramids becoming inverted very quickly. Less migration takes people out of the middle section of that pyramid, too, so you would expect the share of the U.S. population of pensionable age to rise quickly in the coming years as a result, which brings big social and economic change." What Happens Next Opera Beds projects a substantial increase in the U.S. population aged 85 and older by 2043, estimating that Alaska could see its share more than double to two percent of the state's population.
