Gov. Steve Beshear is launching a new initiative aimed at improving Kentucky’s health outcomes over the next five years.The initiative, KyHealthNow, will use executive and legislative measures, public-private partnerships and momentum from growing enrollment in the state’s healthcare exchange, Kynect, in an effort to improve health across the state.Beshear says he wants to cut by 10 percent the rates of obesity, smoking, heart disease and more by 2019.“Cars don’t get built when sick workers stay home," he says. "Children don’t learn when they’re in bed with a cold, asthma, or crying from infected gums.” Related: Only 23 Percent of Kentuckians Say They Eat Recommended Amounts of Fruits, VegetablesThe program will be overseen by Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson and a panel of executive cabinet secretaries.Kentucky ranks among the worst states for rates of smoking, cancer deaths and heart attacks.
