Idaho in the Middle for Everything...Except Income

Source
American life expectancy, education and earnings by state

Idaho 7th "Most Conservative"

The latest political tracking by Gallup pegs Idaho as 7th most conservative. Those surveyed were asked to self-identify along the political spectrum for this project.

Kids Count: Idaho 21st Best for Kids

Poverty is up in for kids in Idaho, but still below the national rate. Kids Count tracks trends and statistics researchers know affect kids' lives.

Cancer is the New #1 Killer in Idaho

Cancer is now the #1 killer in Idaho, taking that spot from heart disease. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare notes that cancer screening rates in Idaho lag the rest of the country, and early detection leads to better outcomes. (image credit: Wikipedia commons - CT scan of lung cancer that has spread) Idaho statistics can be viewed by clicking here.

It's "Don't Fry Day" Friday - Skin Cancer Risk Awareness

Idaho has the highest melanoma death rate in the nation. Today is an educational awareness day that melanoma and other skin cancer risks increase with ultraviolet radiation overexposure from the sun, or indoor tanning devices. Idaho men are more likely than Idaho women to be diagnosed with melanoma. The risk of developing any type of skin cancer during a lifetime is one in five. EPA fact sheet on skin cancer in Idaho available by clicking here.

Drinking Water Week - ID has almost 2,000 Water Systems

There are 1,991 public drinking water systems in Idaho - serving about 1.2 million people. Those systems have to abide by safety standards and regulations. It's also common for Idahoans to get their drinking water from a private well, which should meet safety standards, but it's up to the well-owner to do testing, and if needed, treatment. (info via the Idaho DEQ)

Air Quality Awareness Week in Idaho

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has declared this week Air Quality Awareness Week. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality provides daily updates on air quality around the state. The picture above was taken Sunday in Boise, when the air quality rating was "good," with ozone the most noticable pollutant. Look up air quality information by clicking here.