A report released this week shows the Natural State is healthier than it was last year.

Just 10 years ago Arkansas ranked number 50 in the nation when it came to its well-being, but in this year's "America's Health Rankings Report," the Natural State moved up to number 40.

Even with improvements to its health report card, Arkansas is still plagued by two major problems---smoking and obesity.

Yet, efforts by the state to improve its well-being have been met with opposition. Take the cigarette tax, for instance.

"I just think it changed how they buy things when they come in.  It's not stopping them any.  They're just buying less at a time, and coming in more often," said Kim Rogers with Tobacco World in Harrison.
    
She says many  customers are simply hoping the state line to make their purchases.

Smoker Victoria Deyo says you don't just stop smoking because it costs more.

"It's probably an issue for health, but I think it's our own personal choice if we choose to smoke cigarettes or not.  If I want to smoke, I'm going to smoke," said Deyo.

She and about 22-percent of the state to be exact.

You add that to another 30-percent of Arkansans that are obese, and it's surprising the state's health score improved at all.

"We're lazy.  Americans are lazy people.  To go out there, work hard, and do the things our parents did, and that we did when we were younger--it just doesn't happen anymore," said personal trainer Matt Sossamon.
    
Sossamon, with 24-7 Fitness in Harrison, says what's disappointing is that one in three children are classified obese.

"That bothers me more than the adults do because we are grown people.  We have the ability to do it or not do it, and it's our choice.  Kids don't have that choice and it's our responsibility," said Sossamon.

While Arkansas' overall health ranking did improve, personal trainers say the real progress is that which starts at home.

"We can fix this ourselves.  We don't have to have the state do it for us.  We don't have to have the government do it for us.  We don't have to have the President do it for us.  It's our responsibility, and I think that's where we fail as individuals.  We don't take responsibility for our own actions now," said Sossamon.

In comparison, Arkansas ranks lower than the national average for health.

Across America 18 percent of the population smokes, while more than 25 percent are considered obese.
 

Story ideas or comments?  Email me at wcarter@kspr.com