In many respects, it might appear that Colorado is the healthiest state in the nation. But appearances can be deceiving.

It’s true that we are currently the “leanest” state and that Colorado has a reputation for performing well on many indicators of chronic disease. Yet, the results of the 2012 Colorado Report Card show we’re far from the “top of the class” by many important measures in health and health care. For example, Colorado ranked near the bottom (at No. 37) in low birth-weight babies. We’re only No. 30 in childhood immunizations and among the worst states (at No. 36) in adult binge drinking. Though we’ve made improvements in getting health insurance coverage for children, teenagers and adults in recent years, our ranks remain only fair in this category.

Even in areas where we are doing “well” (compared to the rest of the country), some troubling trends loom on the horizon. The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 14.2 percent of Colorado children and 21 percent of Colorado adults are obese. Putting those figures in perspective, Colorado currently may be the “leanest” state, but if we reported those numbers in 1995, we’d be the heaviest. Data also show a steady uptick in Colorado’s childhood obesity rate.

The overall poor-to-good marks on the 2012 Colorado Health Report Card show there’s much room for improvement. Given Colorado’s environment, resources and innovative thinking, we should expect better results than C’s and B’s. It will require time and patience, but these grades will improve if health care providers, business and community leaders and families work together to encourage health-conscious behaviors, increase the number of Coloradans with health insurance and ensure more Coloradans receive quality, coordinated health care. When that happens, Colorado will advance from a gifted-but-underachieving student to valedictorian level.

Numerous studies suggest that Coloradan’s physical and mental health is directly tied to the state’s economic health. "Keeping Colorado Competitive: Roadmap To A Healthier, More Productive Workforce," a supplement to the 2012 Colorado Health Report Card, highlights the economic burdens these indicators place on the state and profiles evidence-based solutions that are working to address them.