Charleston, W.Va. (AP) -- A state lawmaker attributes West Virginia's high rate of disabled workers to smoking and other poor health habits.

Kanawha County Sen. Dan Foster tells the Charleston Daily Mail that the state's high smoking and obesity rates contribute to other health issues, including diabetes, chronic lung disease, congestive heart failure and cancer.

An August report by the Social Security Administration says more than 5 percent of West Virginia's population is considered as disabled workers. That's the highest percentage in the nation.

Foster says changing behaviors isn't easy. But there are steps the state could take to improve residents' health, such as raising the cigarette tax and providing better education about nutrition and exercise.

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