The bible belt creates a conformist environment that discourages dissent and critical thinking. such as pressure to marry and have kids, so everyone from the well off to the less educated wants to "keep up with the joneses"...with disastrous results for those who aren't prepared for commitment but do so die to community peer pressure.
Also consider the legacy of " abstinence only" education pushing blatant misinformation and ignorance about contraceptives and keeping communities ignorant about healthy sexuality. Combine that with an anti sexual pov preached in local churches... The young people lack anywhere to turn for their sexual urges than porn. And they get out on without knowing about health consequence...until it is too late.
Uninsured: blame red state residents who keep voting AGAINST their self interests by voting in legislators who restrict union rights and defund state health care programs among other things. The right wing propaganda industry has succeeded in convincing the white middle class & working class to be afraid, VERY AFRAID, of those...GASP...BLACK AND MEXICAN people living "dependent on government" thus pitting the lower classes against each other while the rich laugh from above.
Obesity: again, ideology, based on the jerk fear that the government will seize their kids for being fed a happy meal. think all the right wing hysteria snout michelle Obama.
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