Of course, it turns out they're actually last among developed nations in real health outcomes.
The U.S. ranks #1 among 17 affluent, western countries in the percentage of people aged 5 to 34 who rate their health as good. Unfortunately, when doctors look at people’s actual health, at indicators such as obesity, diabetes, and simply the chance that someone will die before his or her next birthday, the U.S. ranks last: young Americans are #17 out of 17 in real health.
There's a difference between rugged independence and obstinate idiocy - not that you were idiotic, as it sounds like you had no choice, but you're treating "Aggravating injuries" as being equivalent to "Ignoring inconvenient issues."
Of course, it turns out they're actually last among developed nations in real health outcomes.