<p>from Medscape</p>
<p>[Medscape:</a> Medscape Access](<a href=“http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/759500]Medscape:”>Top 5 Happiest States in the U.S.)</p>
<p>"What Makes a Happy State?</p>
<p>The Well-Being Index is calculated based on six key areas:</p>
<pre><code>Life Evaluation: Alaskans ranked their lives as “thriving,” giving them the highest ranking in this category with a score of 60.2, while West Virginia residents ranked lowest on this scale at 41.1.
Health: Hawaiians were the most likely to say they smiled or laughed a lot “yesterday” and were the least likely to report daily worry, stress, or depression, scoring at 83.3. Kentucky ranked lowest in emotional health with a score of 75.5.
Work Environment: North Dakota workers said they have the most positive work environments, including job satisfaction and trust, and can best use their strengths while performing their job. This gave them the highest ranking in this category at 54.3. Delaware ranked lowest in job satisfaction at 40.6 and had the worst workplace perception for a third year in a row.
Physical Health: Minnesota ranks at the top of this categorywhich includes the percentage of obese residents, disease, and other health problems and daily ailmentswith a score of 79.9. West Virginia ranks lowest at 69.9, in part because it has the highest obesity rate.
Healthy Behaviors: Hawaii ranks at the top of this category also, with a 68.9. The Hawaiians’ good eating and exercise habits, along with their lower smoking rates, gave them the top spot. Oklahoma ranks lowest with a score of 59.1.
Basic Access: Massachusetts residents rank highest in this category for a second year in a row, with an 86.6. This high rating is a result of the high percentage of residents who have health insurance along with access to basic necessities and satisfaction with one’s community. Mississippi ranks lowest in this category, as it did in 2010, with a 77.6."
</code></pre>