Minnesota’s top ranking as the healthiest state in the nation once again is good news. We can be proud of our low percentages of uninsured residents and children living in poverty.

In addition, our state has low rates of infant mortality, premature death and fatal heart disease.

The study, by Minnetonka-based United Health Foundation, is designed to spark discussion about health issues. And while much of the news is good, it also shows us where there is room for improvement.

We cannot be complacent about our health. Obesity &045; and consequently the complications that go with it &045; is becoming an epidemic here and across the nation.

There is also a large gap in health between whites and minorities. Minnesota’s health problems also include too many people smoking and a lack of prenatal care, the report said. About a fifth of the state’s residents smoke, and about a quarter of the state’s pregnant women don’t get enough medical attention before they give birth.

The study also shows the United States lags behind many of its industrialized peers in health rankings, and should improve. As one official said, it’s possible to do so much better. How could a country with these gifts, with this set of resources, not perform better on something as fundamental as whether we should live or die?

We hope governmental and health officials in all states use the study as a tool to point the direction for improvement.