For the second year in a row, Westchester ranked 1st for healthy behaviors, out of 62 counties statewide, according to the County Health Rankings released today by the fifth annual national County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation program.

"I'm thrilled that Westchester has received this important ranking for the second year in a row," said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. "Not only is it a testament to the ample opportunities available to residents for exercise and recreation but also a great way to acknowledge that our residents are choosing to be active, avoid smoking, and eat healthier."

The county ranked seventh for health outcomes, which is based on length of life and quality of life, and fifth for health factors, which measure the ways our behavior and environment affect our future health.

The survey was developed by The University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. It shows how counties compare within the state in terms of how healthy people feel, how long they live and how their health is affected by factors such as tobacco use, obesity and access to healthcare.

"These results show that people can make healthier choices when they know what's at stake and have support," said Sherlita Amler, MD, Commissioner of Health "We're grateful for the help of our many community partners and glad our message is being heard."

The survey demonstrated that Westchester residents have better than average access to primary care physicians, dentists and mental health providers, lower unemployment, fewer children living in poverty and a better educated population than the state as a whole. Westchester also had less air pollution and fewer drinking water violations than the state average, but a slightly higher percentage of alcohol-impaired driving deaths, at 28 percent, than the state average of 24 percent and more people who drive alone to work, at 60 percent versus 54 percent.

For more information, visit the Westchester County Department of Health's Web site at www.westchestergov.com/health or call (914) 813-5000.