SAN BERNARDINO--Officials have reacted with disappointment to a report that ranks the county’s residents among the unhealthiest in California.

The University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute ranked more than 3,000 counties across the nation according to a comprehensive list of factors.

Among fifty-six counties studied in California, San Bernardino ranked 45th.

County Health Officer Dr. Maxwell Ohikhuare cited economic factors.

“This coincides with the poverty level in any community. The higher it is, the less the family and social support there is.”

A lower income level translates to a higher rate of people without health insurance.

The report also took into consideration health behavior, clinical care and the physical environment. San Bernardino County got low marks with all those factors. (INT)

Story Date: September 2, 2010