According to the National Center for Health Statistics, more than 25% of children in the United States (27.2%) and almost one-third of adults (31.8%) have an allergy. This amounts to more than 100 million people.

Seasonal allergies affect almost five times as many people as food allergies, but they are considerably more difficult to avoid. The severity of indoor and outdoor allergens, such as animal dander and pollen, is affected by both seasons and the local environment. This causes a range of symptoms, from unpleasant to life-threatening: itching, sneezing, and even asthma episodes.

Although allergies cannot be cured, they can be managed, prevented, or treated. Because indoor and outdoor allergies are influenced by environmental factors, one method of prevention is simply being in the right location at the right time.

Recognizing this, HouseFresh analyzed allergen data and local environmental statistics to determine which U.S. cities and states have the most and least severe indoor and outdoor allergies.

Key Findings

• Hawaii is the worst state for indoor allergens, with an average severity rating of 7.94 out of 10 across five indoor allergy variables.
• Laredo (Texas) has the worst outdoor allergies (9.11), while Jackson (Mississippi) has the worst interior allergies (8.33).
• Oklahoma has the highest severity rating for outdoor allergies (9.18 out of 10) among all states.
• Reno (Nevada) is the greatest city for indoor allergens, with a severity rating of only 1.79, substantially lower than other big cities.
• Texas has severe outdoor allergy ratings (10/10) for both grass and tree pollen
• Climate change is contributing to increased pollen levels in the atmosphere.

The Methodology Behind This Study

To identify the U.S. states and cities that are best and worst for people with allergies, HouseFresh analyzed a series of metrics for outdoor and indoor allergens, respectively.

For the outdoor rankings, they sourced data for three allergens (tree, grass, ragweed) from the pollen.com website. The team calculated the average annual severity of these allergens for over 970 cities across the U.S. and calculated the average values by state by aggregating cities.

For the indoor rankings, they considered six factors for all states and the top 100 most populated cities in the U.S.:

• Average annual rainfall (ncei.noaa.gov/)
• Average annual temperature (ncei.noaa.gov/)
• % of humid days (housefresh.com/the-most-humid-cities-in-the-world/)
• Median age of homes (data.census.gov)
• % of households with dogs (avma.org)
• % of households with cats (avma.org)

Dust mites and mold allergens thrive in warm, wet, humid climates. Hence, rainfall, temperature, and humidity were considered as key factors that can promote mold and dust mite growth without intervention. Similarly, older homes are typically worse for mold owing to poor ventilation and insulation.

Dog and cat ownership rates were considered as indicators for the prevalence of another key indoor allergen: pet dander.

The final outdoor/indoor index scores were created by assigning values for each factor based on percentiles, assigning 10 to the highest value (worst score, relative to U.S. allergen levels). The further down the factor is located in the percentile distribution, the closer its assigned value is to 0 (best score). Then, to obtain an overall score, HouseFresh calculated the average score across all factors for each ranking (i.e., the average score across all indoor allergen factors).

The data is correct as of June 2025.

Southern states and cities have the most severe outdoor allergies

Oklahoma has the highest average severity (9.18), with grass pollen levels at 9.18, tree pollen at 9.80, and ragweed pollen at 8.57. However, people are sensitive to various forms of pollen, and it’s worth noting that Texas has higher levels of grass and tree pollen (both with a severity rating of 10, the worst in the United States). Only Texas’s low ragweed pollen count (3.88) lowers its overall severity rating compared to Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Why the South? Rising levels of carbon dioxide cause plants to produce pollen while warming the climate. Pollen seasons begin earlier, last longer, and are more intense as the climate warms. So-called “seasonal” allergies now last the entire calendar year in some areas, particularly in the Southern “pollen belt,” where it was warmer to start with and where strong winds circulate more pollen in the air and for longer.

Ragweed thrives on human-developed terrain, which may explain why ragweed pollen levels are around twice the average Texas level in these cities. According to one study, ragweed pollen levels could be seven times greater in a city that is 3.6 degrees warmer and emits 30% more carbon dioxide than neighboring rural areas, a common occurrence due to the urban heat island effect.

Hawaii and Mississippi have the most severe indoor allergies

Indoor allergens include pet dander, dust, and mold. Pet dander is the dead skin cells shed by furred or feathered pets that are light enough to go airborne and cause irritation, so the HouseFresh team considered local pet ownership rates when determining our severity grade. They also included typical temperature, rainfall, humidity, and home age, as these are factors that can exacerbate the presence and impact of dust mites and mold spores.

With humid weather and higher-than-average pet ownership rates, Hawaii and Mississippi are the worst states for indoor allergies, with average severity ratings of 7.94 and 7.51 out of ten, respectively.

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health reports that dust mites and mold can cause severe asthma attacks, and 104,400 (9%) local adults and 30,000 (10%) children suffer from asthma in Hawaii. Asthma affects 15% of all Native Hawaiian adults.

Along with Mississippi, the steamy southern states of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Alabama rank among the top five worst places for indoor allergies. Temperatures in Arizona and California may be high, but the southwest is enduring a 25-year megadrought, with soil drier than it has been in 1,200 years. Although this ongoing calamity may lessen the risk of some indoor allergens, the drought pollutes the air by increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires.

Jackson (Mississippi) has the most severe indoor allergies, with an average severity of 8.33 out of 10 based on high scores across all categories. While New Orleans is hotter, rainier, and more humid, the average overall severity score remains at 7.65, largely due to its comparatively low pet ownership rate.

Reno, Nevada, is the best city for indoor allergies, with a severity rating of jonly 1.79 out of 10, substantially lower than any other big metropolis. That may be a good reason to stay indoors, as Reno’s outdoor allergens are far more prevalent, and Reno has the fastest-expanding allergy season of any major city.

Scores in the table are shown out of ten.

Tips

• To determine which kind of pollen you are allergic to, take a doctor’s test or complete this Kleenex quiz.
• Consider getting an air purifier with , allowing you to run it inside your home 24/7.
• When high pollen counts are expected, close doors and windows, and avoid hanging clothing outside to prevent pollen from entering the home.
• Avoid going outside while someone is mowing the grass or cutting hedges and trees.
• Avoid using a dry cloth or a feather duster; instead, use a microfiber cloth or a damp rag to trap most dust without recirculating it.
  Use a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner to clean carpets, upholstered furniture, and drapes on a regular basis.
• To eradicate dust mites, hot wash your bedding once a week and then tumble dryer for 10 minutes on high heat.
• To eradicate dust mites, hot wash your bedding once a week and then tumble dry it for 10 minutes on high heat.
• Brush your pet’s fur on a regular basis to lessen the amount of dander that is emitted into the air.
  Try to create pet-free zones in your home (even if it’s just your bedroom!) to decrease your interaction with dander.
• To limit your mold exposure, keep your home dry by repairing leaks, venting your clothes dryer outside, and installing insulation and storm windows.

The post Worst States and Cities for Allergies in the U.S. Mapped appeared first on Vivid Maps.

While BMI has its limitations—it doesn’t differentiate fat from muscle—it still gives a useful overview of weight trends by gender, country, or age. And when Reddit user ZeroHmmm created a world map showing which gender has a higher average BMI in each country, it brought out some fascinating regional contrasts.

On this map, countries in green indicate those where men have a higher BMI than women. In red are countries where women have a higher BMI than men. White countries show nearly equal values, and gray means no data.

What stands out immediately is how this difference splits along economic lines or HDI.

In wealthier countries, like Canada, Australia, most of Europe, and parts of East Asia, men tend to have a higher BMI than women. This isn’t too surprising—on average, men in these countries consume more calories and alcohol, and are more likely to work sedentary jobs. At the same time, fitness and weight-loss culture has historically targeted women more aggressively. Those differences in daily habits can be enough to nudge men’s average BMI slightly higher.

In contrast, many developing countries show the opposite trend. Large parts of Africa, South Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America are colored red, meaning women there have a higher average BMI than men. The reasons are more complex.

One major factor is occupation and energy use. In many of these countries, men are still more likely to do physically demanding labor—farming, construction, or transportation—especially in rural areas. Women, on the other hand, may work closer to home, often in less physically intensive roles. Over time, this difference in activity can show up in BMI figures.

Another influence is culture and diet. In some regions, a fuller female body is traditionally associated with health, prosperity, and fertility. That can shape eating habits and social expectations, especially in places where access to modern fitness trends is limited or uneven between genders.

Here’s another thought that might help explain the pattern: women tend to live longer than men, a difference that’s particularly noticeable in many lower-income countries. And because weight tends to increase with age, this could contribute to the higher BMI among women in these populations. It’s just a guess, but one that seems worth considering.

The post Who Has Higher BMI: Men or Women? appeared first on Vivid Maps.

The Post-War Food Revolution: Unintended Consequences

After World War II, farming practices underwent a major transformation. According to a recent Food Foundation report, these changes were aimed at producing and selling “the most calories at the lowest cost.” While this approach met immediate post-war needs, it’s led to new problems. Today, we’re facing an abundance of cheap, processed foods that contribute to health issues and environmental damage.

The True Cost of Cheap Calories

At first glance, choosing less expensive, less nutritious foods might seem like a smart move for budget-conscious shoppers. However, this choice often backfires in the long run. A eye-opening Harvard study found that unhealthy diets add a whopping $50 billion to healthcare costs each year. And that’s not even counting the personal costs of health problems, lost income, and higher living expenses that often come with poor nutrition.

Mapping Healthy Food Costs: A State-by-State Breakdown

The PlushCare team set out to answer a key question: Just how much more does healthy food cost compared to less nutritious options?

How They Did It

The team carefully gathered price data for 20 healthy and 20 unhealthy food items (using Target’s store brands) across every state. They calculated the calorie content of each product, then grouped the data by state to compare the price per calorie for both healthy and unhealthy options. This allowed them to figure out the average cost of eating only healthy food in each state and see how affordable it is based on local average salaries.

Key Findings

The PlushCare team’s analysis turned up some surprising results:

• Hawaii has the biggest price gap, with healthy foods costing 3.70 times more than unhealthy options—way above the national average of 3.02.
• New York has the second-highest yearly cost for healthy eating at $14,525—much higher than the national average of $10,614.
• Colorado is the bright spot, with the lowest yearly cost for a healthy diet at $10,268.
• Washington state offers the best balance of health and affordability, with a healthy diet costing just 17.38% of the average yearly salary.

A Closer Look at Regional Differences

Hawaii’s High Prices: An Island Challenge

Hawaii’s position as the priciest state for healthy eating mostly comes down to its isolation. Importing 85-90% of its food is expensive, especially for fresh produce. The state’s scattered islands also lead to big price differences between areas, making it even harder for rural residents or those working long hours to find affordable healthy food.

New York’s Healthy Food Landscape: A Tale of Two Cities

New York shows a complicated picture, with healthy food costing 3.19 times more than less healthy options. This difference is especially noticeable in wealthy areas and New York City, where you can find more variety in healthy foods—but often at much higher prices.

Colorado’s Surprising Affordability

While Colorado has the cheapest healthy food basket (2.36% below the national average), getting to that food is still a problem for some residents. About 11% of Coloradans struggle with food insecurity, and 5% of low-income residents live more than ten miles from a grocery store. Oddly enough, even in cities where stores are nearby, many lack healthy options.

Alaska: Unique Challenges in the Last Frontier

Alaska ranks third for healthy food costs, mainly because of its huge size and harsh weather. These factors make it hard to distribute and stock food, especially in remote areas. To help with this, programs like the USDA’s Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations are working to improve access to traditional, healthy foods for Alaska Native communities.

Beyond Price: Can People Afford It?

When the PlushCare team factored in average salaries, they saw a different picture. Washington state, despite ranking 22nd in price, turns out to be the most affordable state for healthy eating because of higher average wages. This shows how important it is to consider local economic conditions when looking at food affordability.

Closing the Nutrition Gap

While the challenges are big, there are steps people can take to improve their diets. The USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2020-2025) offers some practical tips:

• Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables
• Mix up your produce choices
• Make at least half of your grains whole grains
• Cut down on added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium
• Watch your portion sizes

In the end, creating a culture of mindful eating and nutrition education at home might be our best tool for overcoming these dietary challenges.

How They Did It: Methods and Sources

The PlushCare team’s thorough study, finished in July 2024, followed these steps:

• They picked 20 healthy and 20 unhealthy products based on recommendations from the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine and Harvard Health.
• Using Target’s store brands, they collected prices from at least three stores in every state, gathering data on 7,200 products across 180 locations.
• They figured out the total calories for each product using nutrition info or average serving sizes.
• They grouped the data by state to compare prices per healthy and unhealthy calorie.
• Using the DGA’s recommended yearly calorie intake, they calculated how much it would cost to eat only healthy food for a year in each state.
• They looked at affordability by comparing these costs to median state salaries.
• They ranked states based on how much more expensive healthy food was compared to the national median.

This analysis by the PlushCare team gives us a comprehensive look at the economic landscape of healthy eating across America, showing how geography, economics, and nutrition all play a part in what we eat.

The post The Price of Health: Analyzing Food Costs Across America appeared first on Vivid Maps.

Additionally, cultural practices and governmental policies play roles in shaping health outcomes, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the factors influencing life expectancy disparities among nations.

The world map of life expectancy by country below was created using World Health Organization and World Bank data.

According to the map countries with the highest life expectancy are often found in Western Europe and East Asia. Below is the list of countries with the highest life expectancy and some key factors that contribute to the high life expectancy in these countries.

Top 10 countries with the highest life expectancy

While these factors provide insights into each country’s high life expectancy, it’s crucial to recognize that these are complex outcomes influenced by a combination of historical, cultural, economic, and social factors. Ongoing efforts in healthcare, education, and public health contribute to the sustained well-being of populations in these countries.

Top 10 countries with the lowest life expectancy

Countries with the lowest life expectancy often face challenges related to healthcare access, poverty, political instability, and high disease burdens. Some of the countries that historically have had lower life expectancies include certain sub-Saharan African nations, such as Chad, Central African Republic, Lesotho, and Sierra Leone.

Globally, life expectancy has increased over the years due to advancements in medical science and public health initiatives. In developed countries, longer life expectancies often correlate with better healthcare systems and living standards. However, regional disparities persist, with some areas facing challenges like infectious diseases, poverty, or inadequate healthcare access that impact life expectancy.

The 10 countries with the largest increases in life expectancy from 2000 to 2020

The notable increase in life expectancy in countries such as Malawi, Zambia, Uganda, Burundi, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Angola, Tanzania, and Togo from 2000 to the present can be attributed to multifaceted efforts addressing key health and socio-economic factors.

These nations have seen improvements in healthcare infrastructure, successful disease control initiatives, enhanced access to medical services, and advancements in maternal and child health. Additionally, economic development, improved living standards, investments in sanitation and water access, as well as educational programs and international collaborations, have collectively contributed to the positive trajectory in life expectancy. These efforts reflect a holistic approach to public health, aiming to address a range of determinants that influence overall well-being and longevity.

A decrease in life expectancy from 2022 to 2022 caused by a combination of health, social, economic, and environmental factors is noted for Vatican City (6 years), Afghanistan (-1.7 years), Peru (-1.5 years), Mexico (-1.3 years), French Polynesia (-1 year), Gibraltar (-1 year), and Mayotte (-0.7 year).

Below is an animated world map showing the change in life expectancy by country around the world.

Fascinating Facts About Life Expectancy

We’re living longer—by a lot
Just over a hundred years ago, the average person didn’t make it past 31. That’s hard to imagine now, with the global average life expectancy pushing past 70. Improvements in public health, medicine, and living standards have added decades to the average human life.

The world’s longevity hotspots
Some places just seem built for long life. In areas called Blue Zones—like Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), and a small town in California called Loma Linda—people regularly live into their 90s and 100s. The common thread? Simple food, daily movement, strong social ties, and a slower pace of life.

Why women usually live longer
It’s a consistent trend almost everywhere: women tend to outlive men. The reasons are a mix of biology and behavior—estrogen seems to offer some protection against heart disease, and men often take more risks, whether in work, driving, or lifestyle choices.

History hasn’t always been kind
Life expectancy hasn’t risen in a straight line. Wars, pandemics, and food shortages have all caused sharp dips. The 1918 flu pandemic, for example, wiped out millions and caused a temporary collapse in global life expectancy.

Medicine changed the game
Modern healthcare—especially vaccines, antibiotics, and surgery—has played a massive role in helping people live longer. We’ve gone from a time when a simple infection could be fatal to one where many once-deadly diseases are now preventable or treatable.

Wealth helps—but doesn’t explain everything
Richer countries generally have higher life expectancies, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Within the same country, people in wealthier neighborhoods often live years longer than those in poorer ones, highlighting the impact of inequality.

Education and health go hand in hand
People with more education tend to live longer. It’s not just about income—it’s also about health knowledge, problem-solving skills, and access to better healthcare options. Education influences everything from diet to exercise habits.

Longevity loves company
Loneliness doesn’t just feel bad—it can actually shorten your life. People with strong relationships and community support tend to live longer. A regular chat with friends or a close-knit family can be as important as a healthy diet.

More people are reaching 100
Centenarians—people who live to 100—are no longer a rare sight. Their numbers are growing every year, especially in places with good healthcare and low-stress lifestyles.

Japan’s secret sauce
Japan consistently ranks at the top for life expectancy. Their diet (think fish, rice, vegetables), combined with a culture of walking and strong social bonds, plays a big part. So does their access to universal healthcare.

Weight and health span
A healthy body weight isn’t just about appearance—it’s tied to how long and how well we live. Being very overweight or underweight can raise the risk of chronic illnesses and shorten your life.

It’s not just about years, but quality
These days, people are talking more about healthspan—the number of years you live in good health. After all, what’s the point of living to 90 if the last 20 years are spent feeling unwell? The real goal is to live long and feel good doing it.

The post Life Expectancy Worldwide Mapped (2000-2022) appeared first on Vivid Maps.

The landmark Supreme Court case, Roe v. Wade (1973), was a turning point in the development of abortion law in the United States. The case involved a woman named Norma McCorvey, who was seeking an abortion but was denied under Texas law. The Supreme Court ruled that the constitutional right to privacy extended to a woman’s decision to have an abortion and that this right was protected by the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Under Roe, states were prohibited from banning abortions before the point of viability, which is typically around 24 weeks of pregnancy. However, the Court also held that states could regulate abortions after viability as long as they provided exceptions to protect the health and life of the mother.

Since Roe, there have been many attempts to limit access to abortion. In 1992, the Supreme Court heard a case called Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which reaffirmed the basic principles of Roe but allowed states to regulate abortion as long as they did not impose an “undue burden” on a woman’s right to choose.

Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization is a recent landmark case that could potentially have a significant impact on abortion laws in the United States. The case centers around a Mississippi law that bans most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions only for medical emergencies or fetal abnormalities.

The overturning of Roe didn’t make abortion illegal nationwide. Abortion remains legal in most U.S. states, but those with trigger laws to restrict abortion with Roe and Casey overturned instantly did so.

Below is the map created by Reddit user academiaadvice that shows a change in monthly abortions since Roe v. Wade overturned.

According to the Society of family planning, the average number of abortions performed each month changed from 82,270 in April and May 2022 to 77,073 from July through December 2022, a decrease of nearly 65%.

Texas, Alabama, and Tennessee had the most substantial declines in absolute numbers of abortions. The number of abortions in neighboring states that do not have strict gestational limits for elective abortions, in contrast, has increased markedly.

The post Change in Monthly Abortions Since Roe v. Wade Overturned appeared first on Vivid Maps.

Cancer cells can arise from different types of cells in the body and can have unique characteristics, depending on the type of cancer. Some common risk factors for cancer include genetic mutations, exposure to certain chemicals and substances, radiation exposure, certain infections, lifestyle factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and family history of cancer.

Cancer can have various symptoms depending on the type and stage of cancer, and it may be diagnosed through diverse methods, such as imaging tests, biopsies, blood tests, and other specialized tests. Treatment options for cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and other specialized treatments, which are often used in combination based on the type, stage, and location of the cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient. Early detection, lifestyle changes, and appropriate treatment can be key factors in improving outcomes for individuals with cancer.

What is the incidence of cancer in the United States?

The incidence of cancer in the United States has varied over time and depends on the type of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts & Figures 2021, an estimated 1.9 million new cases of cancer were expected to be diagnosed in the United States in 2021.

Some of the most common types of cancer in the United States, based on estimated new cases in 2021, include breast cancer, lung and bronchus cancer, prostate cancer, colon and rectum cancer, melanoma of the skin, bladder cancer, kidney and renal pelvis cancer, endometrial cancer, leukemia, and pancreatic cancer, among others. However, the incidence of cancer can vary by year, age, sex, race, ethnicity, geographic location, and other factors.

What is the cancer mortality rate in the United States?

According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated 609,360 deaths from cancer are expected to occur in the United States in 2022, which is about 1,670 deaths a day.

The cancer mortality rate is affected by various factors, including the type of cancer, stage at diagnosis, access to quality healthcare, treatment options, lifestyle factors, and other individual and societal factors. Some of the most common types of cancer that account for a significant portion of cancer-related deaths in the United States include lung and bronchus cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, and ovarian cancer, among others.

Which states have the highest and lowest cancer mortality rate?

Cancer mortality rates can vary by state in the United States due to various factors such as differences in risk factors, healthcare access, screening and early detection practices, and population demographics. However, it’s important to note that cancer mortality rates can change over time and may be influenced by various factors.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the states with the highest age-adjusted cancer death rates in the United States in 2020 were generally located in the southeastern region, and included states such as Kentucky, West Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas, among others. These states have historically had higher rates of tobacco use, obesity, and other risk factors associated with cancer.

The states with the lowest age-adjusted cancer death rates in the United States are generally located in the northeastern region and included states such as Hawaii, Vermont, Minnesota, Connecticut, and New York, among others. These states have historically had lower rates of tobacco use, better access to healthcare, and other factors that may contribute to lower cancer mortality rates.

Top 5 states with highest cancer death rates (deaths per 100,000 standard population)

1. Kentucky – 177.3
2. West Virginia – 177.0
3. Mississippi – 176.0
4. Oklahoma – 171.1
5. Tennesse – 164.4

Top 5 states with lowest cancer death rates (deaths per 100,000 standard population)

It’s worth noting that age-adjusted cancer death rates take into account differences in age distribution among populations, allowing for comparisons across different populations with varying age structures. However, other factors, such as race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare, can also radically influence cancer mortality rates and may vary by state.

1. Utah – 119.5
2. Hawaii – 123.8
3. Colorado – 127.2
4. Arizona – 127.7
5. New York – 128.8

How has the cancer mortality rate changed in the United States?

The cancer mortality rate in the United States has changed over time due to various factors such as advancements in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment, changes in risk factors, improvements in healthcare access, and changes in population demographics. Overall, there has been a declining trend in cancer mortality rates in the United States over the past few decades, although the rates for specific types of cancer and certain populations may have varied.

According to data from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the overall cancer death rate in the United States has been declining steadily since the early 1990s. From 1991 to 2018, the cancer death rate declined by about 31% in men and 21% in women. This decline has been attributed to several factors, including decreased tobacco use, improvements in cancer screening and early detection, advancements in cancer treatment options, and increased awareness about cancer prevention and healthy lifestyle choices.

The maps below show cancer mortality in the United States from 2005 to 2020 created by Reddit user ColeWRS, using data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data and script to produce these maps also can be found on GitHub.

However, it’s important to note that the trends in cancer mortality rates can vary by type of cancer and population subgroup. Some types of cancer, such as lung cancer, have shown significant declines in mortality rates due to reduced smoking rates, while other types of cancer, such as liver and pancreatic cancer, have shown less progress in terms of mortality rates. Disparities in cancer mortality rates also exist among different racial/ethnic groups and socioeconomic strata, with some populations experiencing higher cancer mortality rates compared to others.

Percent change in cancer mortality 2005-2020, per 100,000 population

How to reduce the chances of getting cancer?

Reducing the chances of getting cancer involves a combination of lifestyle changes, regular health screenings, and risk factor management. Here are some general tips:

1. Don’t smoke and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke: Smoking is a major risk factor for many types of cancer, including lung, mouth, throat, pancreas, bladder, kidney, and cervix. Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke can significantly reduce your risk of developing cancer.
2. Maintain a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help lower your risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer. Limiting processed foods, sugary beverages, and red meat can also be beneficial.
3. Stay physically active: Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, can help reduce the risk of developing cancer, including breast, colon, and endometrial cancers. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening exercises at least twice a week.
4. Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including liver, mouth, throat, esophageal, and breast cancer. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation, which means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
5. Protect yourself from the sun: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Protect your skin by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, such as hats and long-sleeved shirts, and using broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on exposed skin.
6. Get vaccinated: Certain viruses, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Getting vaccinated against these viruses, when applicable, can reduce your risk.
7. Practice safe sex: Using condoms and getting regular check-ups for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as cervical, anal, and liver cancer.
8. Get regular health screenings: Regular health screenings, such as mammograms, Pap tests, colonoscopies, and skin checks, can help detect cancer early when it is most treatable. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for appropriate screenings based on your age, sex, and family history.
9. Manage stress: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and increase inflammation, which can potentially contribute to cancer development. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as practicing mindfulness, exercising, or talking to a therapist.
10. Avoid exposure to environmental toxins: Minimize your exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins in your environment, such as asbestos, radon, and industrial chemicals, as they may increase the risk of certain cancers.

It’s important to note that while these tips can help reduce the risk of developing cancer, they do not guarantee complete prevention. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider, knowing your family history, and being aware of any changes in your body are also important for early detection and treatment of cancer.

The post Cancer Deaths in the United States Mapped appeared first on Vivid Maps.

Harmful levels of air pollution, for instance, still impact over 40% of Americans, despite great strides made by the United States government since the Clean Air Act of 1970. And while you might be knowledgeable that air pollution can provoke a range of health problems when inhaled, did you know that it can also cause the skin to age prematurely and worse conditions like eczema?

Air pollution is not the only environmental factor affecting your skin. Hard water (water with high levels of dissolved magnesium and calcium) and ultraviolet light from the sun are also proven to induce skin damage, with health troubles resulting from exposure varying from itchy and dry skin to skin cancer.

Individual measurements of air pollution, ultraviolet light, and hard water will differ from city to city, but where in the United States can you find the extremely worst skin health conditions based on all of the factors combined?

HouseFresh team created an index ranking of 328 American cities to determine which cities have the harshest effect on the skin.

Key Findings

• Scottsdale in Arizona is the worst city in the United States for skin health.
• The best city in the U.S. for skin health is Auburn in Maine.
• Cities in California and Arizona are among the worst for skin health.
• Maine and 5 other U.S. states bordering Canada are home to the best cities for your skin.

The Worst City For Your Skin in Every U.S. State

According to Statista, the United States spent over $18 billion on skin care in 2021 — more than any other nation in the world. But depending on certain external factors, your skin’s health may also affect where you live. The map below shows the worst city for skin in the United States.

The 20 Worst Cities for skin in the United States

The worst city for skin health in the United States is Scottsdale in Arizona. The city’s water hardness, ultraviolet light levels and air pollution levels contribute to an index score of 3.67 – the lowest of any American city. Six other cities on the list are located in Arizona, which has some of the hardest water in the country and is one of the least humid states — two factors that are linked to sore skin conditions like eczema. Eight of the worst cities for skin health are located in California, which, like Arizona, is one of the sunniest states in the United States.

The 10 Best Cities for your skin in the United States

Maine boasts the best environment for skin health: five of the top 10 American cities for skin health are located in Maine, with 3 cities there taking the top three spots. The best city of all is Auburn in south-central Maine, with a score of 95.1. All of the U.S. states are home to the best cities for skin health border Canada, a country that has some of the cleanest air in the world, according to the World Health Organization.

How Hard Water, UV Levels, and Air Pollution Levels Affect the Skin

Did you know that the skin is the human body’s largest organ? It’s also the most seeable indicator of your age, which is why defending yourself against the early aging effects of ultraviolet light and air pollution is so essential. These aging consequences include yellowed and bumpy skin, wrinkles, and age spots.

Too much exposure to ultraviolet levels can cause more harmful health problems to develop, like skin cancer. Getting 5 or more sunburns in your life more than duplicated your chance of developing melanoma, and your skin can be damaged by ultraviolet light even without an apparent burn.

Luckily, it’s relatively easy and affordable to defend yourself from skin damage induced by either ultraviolet (UV) light, hard water, or air pollution.

Study for a breakdown of each factor’s harmful effects up close and for advice on protecting your skin’s health like a pro.

How environmental factors can affect your skin’s health

• Hard water mixed with soap and shampoo can leave a residue on your skin, clogging pores and causing dry skin and issues like eczema.
• UV light increases your risk of developing skin cancer and skin conditions like solar elastosis, which causes the skin to thicken and become yellow and bumpy.
• Air pollution can worsen skin conditions like eczema and prematurely age the skin by causing wrinkles, dull skin, age spots, and pigmentation issues

How to protect your skin from environmental damage

Environmental factors, both at home and outside, can cause visible and invisible damage to your skin and potentially lead to health problems. Luckily, looking after your skin has never been easier with so many creams, lotions, and potions on the market.

1. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher every day

UV light exposure increases your risk of developing skin cancer and prematurely ages the skin by causing wrinkles and age spots.⁵

● Why it works: Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect your skin against both UVA and UVB rays by either absorbing UV light or deflecting it off of your skin.

2. After bathing, moisturize your skin while it’s still damp

Research has indicated a link between hard water and the worsening or development of skin conditions like eczema.

● Why it works: Applying a moisturizer to your skin immediately after bathing locks in moisture and stops the minerals present in hard water from settling on your skin.

3. Wash your face with a high-quality cleanser at the end of the day

Particulate matter (PM) is the name given to solid or liquid particles in the air (for example, smoke or dust) that collect as air pollution. These particles can become attached to your skin when you’re out and about.

● Why it works: A good cleansing routine at the end of the day will remove pollutants from your face and keep your skin healthy. Some experts recommend a ‘double cleanse’ method, which is where you clean your face with an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one.

A few simple adjustments to your day-to-day routine can help to protect your skin from environmental factors, keeping it happy and healthy. For further advice or skin concerns, consult your doctor or a dermatologist. And remember, any new changes to a mole should always be checked by a medical professional.

Methodology

Air pollution data was taken from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Data and State of the Air report by the American Lung Association. A higher value represents more air pollution.

The UV Index Scale is a standard measurement of the strength of sunburn-producing ultraviolet radiation at a particular place and time. Usually ranging from 0 to 11 (higher = more ultraviolet radiation), an average figure was taken for each U.S. city across all the months of the year. UV index data was sourced from WeatherUS and WeatherWX.

Water hardness is measured in parts of calcium carbonate per million, with higher values signifying harder water and lower values signifying softer water. Data was collated from Hydroflow-USA.

Where possible, city-level data was used; however, where data wasn’t available at a city level, metro or county-level estimates were used instead. The final list of cities includes 328 cities, for which all three data points were available.

Each of the above metrics was given a weight of 33.33 to add up to 100 total, and each city was scored on its air pollution, UV index, and water hardness, with higher scores indicating being better for skin and lower scores being worse. High-scoring cities are places with cleaner air, less UV radiation and softer water. Cities with lower scores have higher pollution levels, more UV radiation, and harder water.

The data was collected in August 2022.

The post The Best and Worst U.S. cities for Skin Health Mapped appeared first on Vivid Maps.

Federal Law and State Authority

The 21st Amendment, ratified in 1933, repealed Prohibition and granted individual states the authority to regulate alcohol within their borders. This includes decisions on:

• Whether to allow the sale of alcohol in the state.
• Rules for importing alcohol into the state.
• Distribution methods within the state.
• Possession laws specific to the state.

This decentralized approach has led to a patchwork of regulations, with some states exercising strict control over alcohol distribution, while others permit private enterprises to manage sales. For instance, 17 states are known as “control states,” where the state government controls at least one aspect of alcohol sales.

Minimum Drinking Age and Exceptions

While the federal government sets a minimum legal drinking age of 21, states have the discretion to establish exceptions under certain conditions. For example, some states permit underage consumption of alcohol for religious ceremonies, educational purposes, or when provided by a parent or guardian. These exceptions vary widely, reflecting local customs and legislative priorities.

Drinking in Public Spaces

Public consumption of alcohol is generally regulated at the local level, leading to a variety of laws across the country. Some cities have designated “Entertainment Districts” where public drinking is permitted, while others enforce strict open-container laws prohibiting alcohol consumption in public spaces. These regulations are often influenced by historical precedents and community standards.

Sunday Alcohol Restrictions (Blue Laws)

Blue laws, also known as Sunday laws, restrict or ban certain activities on Sundays, traditionally for religious reasons. In the context of alcohol sales, these laws can prohibit the sale of alcohol on Sundays or limit the hours during which alcohol can be sold. Currently, 28 states have some form of blue laws, though the specifics vary by state and even by county.

Dietary Guidelines and Health Risks

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that excessive alcohol use is responsible for over 140,000 deaths annually in the United States. To mitigate health risks, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults of legal drinking age either abstain from drinking or consume alcohol in moderation—up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. Certain individuals, including those under 21, pregnant women, and individuals with specific medical conditions, are advised to avoid alcohol entirely.

What are the alcohol laws like in your area? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!

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The data was profound but not unexpected. Anyone who has dialed into Twitter lately will have got an eyeful of America’s state of mind. Twitter is the place where users go to shout when there’s no one else around to listen.

And while the American Psychological Association report also showed us that the young, Latino adults and parents are experiencing higher stress than other groups, Twitter offers up-to-the-minute micro-reports on who’s feeling stressed about what – and where. So, PlushCare team has studied millions of tweets concerning familiar sources of stress to find which American states are most stressed and the parts of contemporary life that trigger anxiety and stress the most. As well as the overall results (below), the PlushCare team also showed the most stressed U.S. states in each category: news, money, education, careers, relationships, and social media.

Methodology

To find out which U.S. states are the most stressed, PlushCare retrieved geotagged tweets from 340 major American cities. Then, to determine which subjects stress the United States the most, a tweet category was assigned to each tweet depending on the search query that returned it. These are the considered terms for each of the selected categories:

• Social Media: ‘TikTok is’, ‘Whatsapp is’, ‘Twitter is’, ‘Facebook is’, ‘Snapchat is’
• News: ‘news story’, ‘news stories’, ‘the news cycle’, ‘today’s news’, ‘the news’
• Career: ‘my career’, ‘my job’, ‘my boss’, ‘my retirement’, ‘my colleagues’, ‘my workmates’, ‘my work assignment’, ‘my working hours’
• Education: ‘my exams’, ‘my degree’, ‘my studies’, ‘my teacher’, ‘my lecturer’, ‘my classmates’
• Money: ‘my bills’, ‘my paycheck’, ‘my salary’, ‘my wage’, ‘my finances’, ‘my bank account’, ‘my investments’, ‘my savings’
• Relationships: ‘my gf’, ‘my bf’, ‘my wife’, ‘my husband’, ‘my girlfriend’, ‘my boyfriend’, ‘my family’, ‘my friends’

After collecting the tweets, the PlushCare team examined their stress level using a stress detection tool, TensiStrength, that estimates a text’s stress level based on its wording. They considered a tweet to be stressed if its predicted stress value is equal to or lesser than -2. Finally, PlushCare sorted the results based on the origin city and category.

Key Findings

• Hawaii is the most-stressed U.S. state overall, with a 45.31% stress rate.
• South Carolina is the least-stressed U.S. state (36.99%).
• Oakland in California is the most-stressed American city overall (47.35%).
• Santa Clarita in California is the most-stressed U.S. city in any category, with a 63.45% stress rate for social media topics.

The Most Stressed U.S. States

Hawaii narrowly takes the crown for the most stressed U.S. state, with 45.31% of tweets about angsty topics showing signs of stress. Despite the chill reputation, Hawaii’s tourism industry can be a source of tension for overcrowded locals and hot-under-the-collar visitors.

The U.S. States Where News Causes the Most Stress

According to the American Psychological Association, one in ten American adults checks the news hourly, and one in five “constantly” monitors their social media feeds.

Doomscrolling is dangerous because our minds naturally emphasize scary news. And news-related anxiety “exacerbates the viewer’s worries, even when those worries are not directly relevant,” says Graham Davey, Journal of Experimental Psychopathology.

In Oregon, 52.40% of news-related tweets are stressed – the highest of any state. However, Pennsylvania (52.30%) is only just behind. The Dakotas are the least concerned, with South Dakota returning a meager 32.44% of stressed tweets.

The U.S. States Where Money Causes the Most Stress

According to Forbes, American inflation hit a 40-year high in June 2022, with fuel costs rising between 30-45%. Folks are dealing with high mortgage rates and derailed work patterns while worrying about the economic impact of the war in Ukraine. Montana is way out in front as 55.56% of money-related tweets are stressed, next to Vermont’s 47.01%. Mississippi (34.26%) is the most laid back, despite the U.S. Census Bureau revealing the state to be among the three with the most households facing budget hardship.

The U.S. States Where Education Causes the Most Stress

Teachers and administrators have their work cut out right now to counter the past two years’ negative learning, social, and emotional effects. And 72% of parents are still stressed by disruption to their child’s schedule, according to the American Psychological Association.

From the pressure of getting good grades to waiting to find out if you got into your chosen university, there are many reasons why education can be stressful no matter where you are in the world. In the states, this effect is most pronounced in Montana, where 48.65% of education-related tweets are stressed.

The U.S. States Where Careers Cause the Most Stress

Everybody feels stressed by work sometimes – but when stress inhibits you from following your ambitions, you may have an anxiety disorder that needs attention. Work environment and the commute contribute to career stress, so location is a factor to look out for.

Nearly half (46.87%) of all work-related tweets from New Hampshire show signs of stress. According to the New Hampshire Hospital Association, the pandemic is still a source of strain: nurses and HR officers are working together to counter a staff shortage that has doubled to 18% since 2019.

The U.S. States Where Relationships Cause the Most Stress

Relationships cause the least stress on average out of the categories in our study. However, Hawaii (44.43%) is the most stressed state concerning relations and the most stressed-out state overall.

But this is not to say that everybody is fed up with their relationships. Some 51% of Americans (61% among essential workers) say they have loved ones they couldn’t see for a full two years following the March 2020 outbreak, according to the American Psychological Association, causing both relationship strain and heartache.

The U.S. States Where Social Media Cause the Most Stress

Social media drives many other stress causes, including news and relationships. It is appropriate that social media is the highest cause of stress on average across the states, with 47.85% of social media-themed tweets showing signs of tension.

In fact, no state has a stress rate of less than 40% for this topic. Alaska (54.04%) is the most stressed. You can reduce social media-related stress by deleting phone apps and taking up an eye- and hand-related hobby, such as knitting or bonsai, to minimize the impulse to scroll.

PlushCare’s Expert Advice to Cope With Stress

Stress is a biological and psychological response to demanding situations and challenging circumstances we unconsciously deem as threats. It causes our body to release hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, increasing our blood pressure and our heart rate. When going untreated, chronic stress can develop and, over time, it can contribute to a range of physical and mental disorders – from a weakened immune system and high blood pressure to sexual dysfunction and anxiety disorders.

It is vital to tackle the effects of stress the moment we experience them, but it is also essential to understand that everybody experiences stress in their own way. And, as the American Institute of Stress points out, the methods that some people used to cope with stress can themselves be stressful when tried by others. However, it is worth trying some of the following techniques to see what works for you:
• Limit the time you spend consuming news media.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a balanced, healthy diet.
• Develop a bedtime routine that will allow you to get a good night’s sleep each night.
• Talk to people you trust and take the time to foster healthy relationships with your loved ones.
• Practice deep breathing, meditation, and other relaxation techniques.
• Acknowledge your stress levels and reach out for professional help if it’s getting worse.

For more advice on how to cope with stress, read the latest guidelines from the CDC available here.

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Reddit user alionBalyan created a set of maps describing the suicide rates in the world.

Globally, most deaths by suicide occurred in low-and-middle-income nations (77%), where most of the world’s population lives.

More than half of suicides (58%) worldwide occurred before 50 years.

Most adolescents who died by suicide (88%) were from low- and middle-income nations, where nearly 90% of the world’s youngsters live.

Suicide was the 4th leading reason of death in young people aged 15–29 years for both sexes, after roadway injury, tuberculosis, and social violence.

Worldwide, death by suicide happens about 1.7 times more often among males than among females. In the Western world, males die by suicide 3 to 4 times more often than females. This greater male frequency is raised in those over the age of 65.

The map below shows how many males die of suicide for every female that dies of suicide, calculated as follows the male suicide rate divided by the female suicide rate (Ratio = Male suicide rate / Female suicide rate). Thus, countries in green have one male suicide for each female suicide, and a black one would be seven male suicides for each female suicide.

Most nations report a higher male suicide rate, as worldwide, there are about three male suicides out of 4, or a factor of 3:1. For instance, in the U.S. suicide rate was 3.53 in 2016.

For comparison, in Russia, the male suicide rate is 38.2 per 100k population, and the female suicide rate is 7.2 per 100k population, so the ratio would be 38.2 / 7.2 = 5.3

While Grenada, with a ratio of 0.71, is the only nation with more female suicides than males, 0.5 for males vs. 0.7 for females per 100k population.

According to scientists, gender is a significant indicator of suicide based on the social constructions of hegemonic masculinity and femininity. According to the publications on gender and suicide, male suicide rates are described in terms of traditional gender roles. Male gender roles emphasize greater strength, independence, risk-taking behavior, economic status, and individualism. Reinforcement of this gender role often prevents males from seeking help for suicidal feelings and depression.

Interestingly, suicide attempts are between 2 and 4 times more frequent among females. Scientists have partly attributed the difference between suicide and attempted suicide among the sexes to males using more lethal means to end their lives.

In the 20 years between 2000 and 2019, the global age-standardized suicide rate dropped by 36%, with declines ranging from 17% in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to 47% in the European Region and 49% in the Western Pacific Region. The only increase in age-standardized suicide rates was in the Americas, reaching 17% in the same period.

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