America's Healthiest And Unhealthiest States Rebecca Ruiz, 11.17.09, 12:01 AM EST States in New England top a new set of rankings, while the South still lags. If you want to be healthy, live in Vermont--or at least act like you do. It is the healthiest state in the country, according to a new report from the nonprofit United Health Foundation. The annual ranking looks at 22 indicators of health, including everything from how many children receive recommended vaccinations, to obesity and smoking rates, to cancer deaths. (The foundation is funded by the insurer UnitedHealth Group ( UNH - news - people )). Article Controls email print reprint newsletter comments (9) share del.icio.us Digg It! yahoo Facebook Twitter Reddit rss Yahoo! Buzz Vermont ranked first this year thanks in part to its low rate of obesity, high number of doctors and a low rate of child poverty. New England in general sets a benchmark for the country, the report found. All six New England states are in the top 10. These states have favorable demographics and an excellent public health infrastructure, including a large number of doctors per capita. Full List: America's Healthiest And Unhealthiest States Eight of the 10 bottom-ranked states are from the south, with Mississippi coming in dead last for the ninth consecutive year. Mississippi has a sky-high death rate from heart disease and high infant mortality. In general, residents of these states are more likely to be smokers or to be obese, the report found. They also have worse health insurance coverage, fewer physicians per capita and live in areas with high violent crime and more child poverty. UnitedHealth Group Executive Vice President Dr. Reed Tuckson says the report is meant to draw attention to public health issues, particularly the twin challenges of smoking and obesity. While the smoking rate has decreased in the past 20 years, nearly one in five Americans still smoke. More than one-quarter of American adults suffer from obesity, a condition that the report estimated will cost $344 billion in annual health care costs by 2018. "We are about to deliver a tsunami of preventable chronic illness that will come pouring into the medical care delivery system," says Reed. The Results Scores for each state are determined by gathering data from a variety of government and nongovernmental databases and then calculating how much each state is better or worse than the national average for each measure. The scores take into account a broad variety of health measures, including rates of infectious diseases, number of preventable hospitalizations and even levels of air pollution. (Click here to see the report.) Related Stories The Healthiest And Unhealthiest States The Best States For Health Care Unhealthy Health Savings Accounts The False Dichotomy Of Health Care Funding Why Skipping Exercise Can Be Deadly Related VideosiPhone App Changing MedicineMacy's Set To AnnounceWellPoint's CEO On InnovationBuffett's Big Bet On AmericaMind Reading Machines StoriesVideosRate This Story Your Rating Overall Rating Reader Comments Although behavioral issues are at the root cause diets in America have not worsened over the past generation. During the 1960's there was no such thing as an obesity epidemic. What changed? Our diets.... Read All Comments (9)Post a CommentChristine Finley, the state's deputy commissioner for public health, says Vermont's performance in the rankings reflects its demographics. The state is 96% Caucasian, and research has shown that health outcomes can be worse for racial and ethnic populations as well as those with lower incomes and education levels. It also helps that every pediatrician in Vermont accepts Medicaid and the benefits extend to families who earn up to 300% of the poverty line. List & Rankings America's Most Medicated States America's Healthiest and Unhealthiest States 2008 Most Expensive Places for Health Care Vermont fell short in some categories. Only 74% of children between 19 and 35 months have received recommended immunizations, compared to a national average of 78%. Vermonters also drink more than most Americans; 18% admit to binge drinking, while the national average is 16%. For the states with the worst rankings, Dr. Tuckson says the news isn't all bad. Mississippi's child poverty rate decreased by 28% since last year, and its incidence of infectious disease decreased by 36% since 2003. In Louisiana, ranked 47th, preventable hospitalizations decreased by 11% since last year, and the smoking rate is down five percentage points in five years. Dugg on Forbes.com The Tiger-Resistant Laptop - Forbes.com Men's Rights - Forbes.com Republican Deficit Hypocrisy Hollywood's 10 Most Overpaid Stars Visit The Forbes.com Digg ChannelThe rankings are a collaboration between the foundation, The American Public Health Association and the Partnership for Prevention, a coalition of businesses, nonprofits and government agencies. American Public Health Association Executive Director Dr. Georges C. Benjamin hopes the report will help state governments do better. "We're at the point where we recognize we have a crisis," he says. "It remains to be seen if we're in it for the long haul."
I found out today that not only can I not get the H1N1 shot, I can't even get the Seasonal flu shot! I already knew that I did not qualify for the H1N1 because I am a healthy adult aged between 25 and 64 without health issues. Normally, I think this a good thing. Apparently, there is not only a shortage of the H1N1 vaccine but also a shortage of the seasonal flu shot in Vermont. Feeling defeated, I decided to do some research on the web to figure out what is going on. Then I decided to try and put everything in one place - thus my Active Rain blog.
H1N1 - per Centers for Disease Contral and Prevention
Who should Get It? Pregnant women People who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age Health care and emergency medical personnel Anyone from 6 months through 24 years of age Anyone from 25 through 64 years of age with certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system. As more vaccine becomes available, these groups should also be vaccinated: Healthy 25 through 64 year olds Adults 65 years and older
Below is a great Chart by the South Dakota Dept. of Health:
Where do you Get It?
The answer is not easy because sometimes clinics are posted but they may be by appointment only or they may run out of vaccines. In Vermont, the Vermont Department of Health has posted a list of clinics searchable by geographic location. Click on the image below to go to their web site:
How do you deal with H1N1?
Where is the H1N1 virus Geographically? I found this great map that appears to be kept up on a somewhat regular basis.
The last piece of information I needed to complete for this source of data was a Chart showing the differences between a COLD, the SEASONAL FLU and the H1N1 FLU. Many say that there are not many differences between the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu, but this chart may help one trying to decide which illness they have. Of course, a Doctor is the best resource!
Even though I can't receive any flu shots, I learned a lot. Maybe you did too!
FORECLOSURES or BANK OWNED PROPERTIES - Stowe, Vermont Area - Updated 11/17/09
Vermont does not have many bank owned real estate properties. However, I feel that the number has increased and will continue to increase in the next few years. Our MLS system does not allow for a simple search of such properties, but I am able to create specialized searches for bank owned real estate. The searches do not automatically update, but I will do my best to keep it current.
Buying a foreclosure, or short-sale property can be very complicated. I have been a licensed Realtor® in Stowe since 1998. I am currently studying and taking classes to obtain the National Association of Realtors® Short Sale and Foreclosure Certification, and I am an Accredited Buyer Representative. So be sure to hire a REALTOR® that is experienced, trained and can represent you as buyer. I can represent you on these properties and all other area properties as long as they are not listed by Stowe Realty. Please contact me for more information about these properties or other ones you are interested in. Hire an experienced Accredited Buyers Representative!
HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT - First Time and Repeat Homebuyers
On November 9, 2009, President Barack Obama approved the first-time homebuyer tax credit extension. The extension is part of a $24 billion economic stimulus bill that extends the $8,000 tax credit for new homebuyers and expands the program to offer a credit of $6,500 to homeowners who have lived in their current home for at least 5 years and are seeking to relocate to a new home.
FIRST TIME HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT:
Who is Eligible? - First-time homebuyers - people who have not owned a home within the last 3 years - may be eligible. The credit is 10% of the purchase price of the home with a maximum available credit of $8,000. All U.S. citizens who file taxes are eligible to participate.
Income Limits: Single or Head-of-Household may claim the full credit if their modified adjusted gross income is less than $125,000. Married couple filing a joint return - the combined income limit is $225,000. Single or head-of-household taxpayers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000, and married couple who earn between $225,000 and $245,000 are eligible to receive a partial credit. Single taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income is greater than $145,000 and married couple with gross imcome greater that $245,000 are not eligible for the credit.
Types of Homes that Qualify: All homes with a purchase price of less than $800,000 qualify - including newly constructed or resale, and single-family homes, townhomes or condominiums. The home must be used as a Principal Residence. Vacation home and rental properties do not qualify.
Effective Dates: The homes must be purchased after November 6, 2009 and before May 1, 2010. Home purchases subject to a sales contract signed by April 20, 2010 will also qualify provided the closing occurs before July 1, 2010.
Tax Credit: The tax credit is a direct reduction of tax liability owed to the IRS. If no taxes are owed, the IRS will isue a check in the amount of the tax credit. The credit does not require repayment unless the home, at any time in the first 3 years of ownership, is no longer the individual's primary residence.
EXISTING HOMEOWNERS
Existing homeowners who have been residing their principal residence for 5 consecutive years out of the last eight are eligible. They must purchase a home to be their principal residence. They may be eligble for up to a $6,5000 tax credit. The Income Limits are the same as the First Time Home Buyer. The home purchased must also be less than $800,000. The home purchase does not have to be priced higher that the home sold.
RESTRICTIONS:
A credit will not be due if: - The home is purchased from a close relative (spouse, parent, child, etc.) - The home is not used as principal residence. - The Purchaser is a nonresident alien.
New Anti-Fraud Rule - In an effort to prevent Faud - the purchaser must attach documentation of purchase to the tax return.
Additional Information:
There is a wealth of information out on the internet. I have come up with the following sites that appear to offer legitimate information about the Tax Credit. Be certain to check with your tax attorney or accountant for additional details about the program and your ability to qualify within the specific timelines, purchase price, and income qualifications.
NAR - Chart RE: Homebuyer Tax Credit
NAR - Frequently Asked Questions
IRS - Homebuyer Tax Credit Information
National Associaiton of Home Builders - Tax Credit Information
Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home, call me at (802) 793-5171 or e-mail at Teresa@StoweUSA.com
For what the typical family wastes every year on air leaks—about $350—you can plug energy-robbing gaps, start saving money, and enjoy a more comfortable home. Read
Beefing up inadequate insulation is one of the quickest energy-payback projects you can do, resulting in lower heating and cooling bills and increased comfort. Read
Lighting eats up as much as 20% of your annual electric bill, but using energy-efficient bulbs and making other simple changes can cut lighting costs dramatically. Read
Water heating accounts for up to 25% of household energy costs, but there are inexpensive things you can do to increase efficiency and reduce energy bills. Read
Thanks to innovative new technology, today’s super-efficient low-flow showerheads save water, reduce your energy bills, and still feel good to use. Read
Stowe Mountain Resort - Opening Day November 21, 2009
Stowe, Vermont - Stowe Mountain Resort just announced that it will open on Saturday, November 21st, 2009. The resort has lots of snow making capacity, so hopefully there will be a good selection of trails to ski. Maybe Mother Nature will cooperate too!
To access the Resort Web Site, click on the logo to the right:
The Stowe Resort Web Site has added an interactive map:
If you aren't into skiing or snowboarding, there are plenty other activities. Stowe is famous for her restaraunts, shops, inns and New England Charm. Check out Stowe Area Association's web site below:
If you are interested in real estate at the Stowe Mountain Resort, check out current listings below:
RESPA FORMS - New HUD-1 and GFE (Good Faith Estimate) will becomeeffective January 1, 2010. This is an effort to simply the loan process, improve the GFE and HUD-1 Forms and create greater transparency. It is important for Sellers, Buyers, Lawyers and Realtors to be aware of the changes.
Below is a Re-Blog of a post written by Gary Woltal of Keller Williams, Texas. I found it to be well written and to the point. Links to the new forms are also included. Thanks Gary!
Come January 1st, 2010, as a REALTOR or a consumer at the closing table things are about to change as far as the Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and Settlement Statement (HUD-1). Links below will allow you to print these out to familiarize yourself with them. Both now are three pages in length. The highlights:
Revised Good Faith Estimate (GFE)
GFE tolerances on settlement costs (1/8 point allowed to be in error)
Revised Settlement Statement (HUD-1)
Revised definitions for application, Good Faith Estimate, and Mortgage Broker
Additional definitions for changed circumstances, origination services, loan originator, prepayment penalty, third party, title service and tolerance
Elimination of 1% origination fee cap on FHA loans
RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) forms apply to federally insured or backed loans such as FHA/VA/Conventional and NOT cash deals. There is also a 30 day cure period to give lenders after closing the ability to meet the tolerance. The closing script is eliminated as it is contained in the revised HUD-1. Average charges can be used by service providers and is not limited to loan originators.
Bottom line is it looks like the new GFE and HUD-1 want the borrower to be as crystal clear on everything related to the loan. It looks like the fastest you could go from app to close is about three weeks. On page three of the new HUD-1 boxes compare GFE and HUD-1 costs. On page 3 of the GFE they clearly in the instructions state what charges CANNOT increase past the GFE, can increase up to 10%, and what charges can change. It is VERY clear. The only thing weird I saw on both the new HUD-1 and GFE is it never clearly says the PITI monthly payment but just principal, interest, and mortgage insurance in the loan terms.
It looks a lot different for most of us, but print yourself out a copy and take a look. January is NOT that far off.
With closings averaging 130 pieces of paperwork both the REALTOR and the consumer need to know about these documents ahead of time. One last tip for both groups in this area, be sure to show up at the table with a U.S. government issued ID with a picture and your signature. This is mandatory for identification purposes. Good luck and happy closings!!!
FORECLOSURES or BANK OWNED PROPERTIES - Stowe, Vermont Area
Vermont does not have many bank owned real estate properties. However, I feel that the number has increased and will continue to increase in the next few years. Our MLS system does not allow for a simple search of such properties, but I am able to create specialized searches for bank owned real estate. The searches do not automatically update, but I will do my best to keep it current.
Buying a foreclosure, or short-sale property can be very complicated. I have been a licensed Realtor® in Stowe since 1998. I am currently studying and taking classes to obtain the National Association of Realtors® Short Sale and Foreclosure Certification, and I am an Accredited Buyer Representative. So be sure to hire a REALTOR® that is experienced, trained and can represent you as buyer. I can represent you on these properties and all other area properties as long as they are not listed by Stowe Realty. Please contact me for more information about these properties or other ones you are interested in. Hire an experienced Accredited Buyers Representative!
Vermont Short Sales - BUYERS - What You Need To Know!
What is a Short Sale? A home is being sold below what the current seller owes on the property and the seller does not have other funds to make up the difference at a closing. Sellers sometimes get in this situation due to number of factors including job losses, aggressive borrowing against their home, declining home values, and personal hardships.
Short Sale vs. Foreclosure - A short sale is different from a foreclosure. Foreclosure is when the seller's lender has taken title of the home and is selling it directly. Homeowners often try to accomplish a short sale in order to avoid foreclosure. But a short sale holds many potential pitfalls for BUYERS. Be prepared for the risks before you pursue a short sale purchase.
You may be a good buyer for a short sale purchase if:
YOU ARE VERY PATIENT. Even after you come to agreement with the seller to buy a short sale property, the seller's lender (or lenders, if there is more than one mortgage) has to approve the sale before you can close. When there is only one mortgage, short sale experts say lender approval typically takes about two months. If there is more than one mortgage with different lenders, it can take four months or longer for the lenders to approve the sale.
YOUR FINANCING IS IN ORDER. Lenders like cash offers. If you can't pay all cash for a short sale property, it's important to show you are well qualified and your financing is set. If you are preapproved, have a large down payment, and can close at any time, your offer will be viewed more favorably.
YOU DON'T HAVE ANY CONTINGENCIES. If you have a home to sell first, or you need to be in a new home by a certain time, a short sale may not be for you. Lenders like no-contingency offers and flexible closing terms.
If you decide to purchase a short sale property, you will need expert assistance including:
EXPERIENCED REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY. A good real estate attorney who is knowledgeable about the short sale process will increase your chances of getting an approved contract. Only about 2 of 5 short sales are approved by lenders. Special provisions and language written into a purchase contract is essential throughout the negotiation.
QUALIFIED REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL. A qualified real estate professional will be able to show you short sale homes, help negotiate the purchase when you find a property, and smooth communications with the listing agent and lender. In Vermont, it is not always obvious a property may be in a short sale status.
Some of the other risks faces by buyers of short-sale properties include:
POTENTIAL FOR REJECTION. Lenders want to minimize their losses. If you make an offer tremendously lower than the fair market value, chances are your offer will be rejected. Or the lender could make a counteroffer, which will further lengthen the process.
BAD TERMS. Even when a lender approves a short sale, it could require that the sellers sign a promissory note to repay the deficient amount of the loan, which may not be acceptable to some financially desperate sellers. In that case, the sellers may refuse to go through with the short sale. Vermont is a Recourse State so the borrower can be liable for the deficiency.
NO REPAIRS OR REPAIR CREDITS. You will most likely be asked to take the property "as is." Lenders are already taking a loss on the property and may not agree to requests for repair credits.
To Sum It Up - the risks of a short sale are considerable. But if you have the Time, Patience, Flexibility, and IronWill to see it through, a short sale can be a win-win for You and the Sellers.
Most of the information above is from the National Association of Realtors which I am a member of. I have added some Vermont Specific Information. Also, I am currently working on the NAR Short Sales and Foreclosure Certification a/k/a SFR. I hope to write about Short Sales as an option for Sellers but am still trying to understand the "Making Homes Affordable" Rules and Guidelines and how they apply in Vermont.
I came across a post by Rossi & Bishop on RealTalk yesterday. They referred to an article written by Jamie Nash of Montgomery County News. In the article was a YouTube Video that really stuck a nervee. I am the mother of two teenage boys. Both are actually quite good drivers, but I know the older one texts while he drives. And yes, he knows it's dangerous. I know that when I was a teenager, I thought I was immortal. When I look back at some of the things I did while driving, I am amazed I survived. In those days though we did not know what cell phones or texting were. I am actually pretty good about not using my cell phone while driving as I know how distracting it is. I can't imagine if I attempted to text while driving as I have a hard enough time texting at my desk.
I wanted to share this YouTube video with you. Maybe you have seen it before, but if not, check it out. Some feel it's too graphic, but I feel it gets the message across. Texting and Driving simply do not mix!
The National Transportation Safety Board has major concerns over cell phones and texting while driving. I already know that Vermont has no law against either. I hope that more states, including Vermont, take a proactive approach to this "accident waiting to happen".
Do you know where your state is with legislature? I found a chart posted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety dated October, 2009. Click on the icon for the Report by State
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
I found out today that not only can I not get the H1N1 shot, I can't even get the Seasonal flu shot! I already knew that I did not qualify for the H1N1 because I am a healthy adult aged between 25 and 64 without health issues. Normally, I think this a good thing. Apparently, there is not only a shortage of the H1N1 vaccine but also a shortage of the seasonal flu shot in Vermont. Feeling defeated, I decided to do some research on the web to figure out what is going on. Then I decided to try and put everything in one place - thus my Active Rain blog.
roperty can be very complicated. I have been a licensed Realtor® in Stowe since 1998. I am currently studying and taking classes to obtain the National Association of Realtors® Short Sale and Foreclosure Certification, and I am an Accredited Buyer Representative. So be sure to hire a REALTOR® that is experienced, trained and can represent you as buyer. I can represent you on these properties and all other area properties as long as they are not listed by Stowe Realty. Please contact me for more information about these properties or other ones you are interested in. Hire an experienced Accredited Buyers Representative! 
On November 9, 2009, President Barack Obama approved the first-time homebuyer tax credit extension. The extension is part of a $24 billion economic stimulus bill that extends the $8,000 tax credit for new homebuyers and expands the program to offer a credit of $6,500 to homeowners who have lived in their current home for at least 5 years and are seeking to relocate to a new home.
.jpg "Spruce Peak, Stowe Vermont")
YOU ARE VERY PATIENT. Even after you come to agreement with the seller to buy a short sale property, the seller's lender (or lenders, if there is more than one mortgage) has to approve the sale before you can close. When there is only one mortgage, short sale experts say lender approval typically takes about two months. If there is more than one mortgage with different lenders, it can take four months or longer for the lenders to approve the sale.
essential throughout the negotiation.
;)
;)
