College, higher income lead to healthier folks

By SAM INGLOT
Capital News Service
LANSING–People with a college education tend to be healthier than those with only a high school diploma, according to a recent national study. Health and wellness professionals say the trend, also noted in a separate Michigan study, is because poor people don’t have easy access to recreational exercise, health care and quality food. The study released in late November by College Board, an education advocacy organization, extended the benefits of a college education to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, better pay, job security, stronger family ties and a greater tendency to provide community service. About 34 percent of people with only a high school diploma are obese, the study found. That’s compared to 20 percent of people with a four-year college degree.