Some U.S. cities feature healthier populations than others due to factors such as access to nutritious food/farmers markets and affordable healthcare. Other factors include high levels of physical activity, while health issues such as heart disease and smoking usually mean a city isn’t doing so great. Check out a few of the healthiest cities in the United States and find out what makes them awesome:
(Do You Know the Way to) San Jose, California
San Jose, California has recently been celebrated as an “organic paradise.” This Silicon Valley favorite is brimming with farmers markets, and organic fare is widely available at groceries and restaurants as well. The city also features some 18 community gardens on 22 acres, and is blessed with a city council focused on healthcare. The council recently passed a bill that allows farmers markets to set up near schools, churches, libraries and community centers. Awesome.
Salt Lake City, Utah: Putting the Clamp Down on Two Vices
Utah’s Salt Lake City is renowned for having the best cancer-survival rate out of 100 cities surveyed for health by Prevention magazine. Mormonism is the city’s dominant religion, and strictly prohibits drinking or smoking. These two things tend to cut cancer rates by, well, a lot. The “outdoorsy” feel of the city is another reason the cancer rate is so low: people are busy helping their hearts with assorted outdoor activities and sports. Salt Lake’s Huntsman Cancer Institute also features a Japanese-style healing garden. Sweet.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota: It’s Partly Due to Their “Rustic Nordic Diet”
A city that gets top marks for heart health is Minneapolis-Saint Paul. In addition to a diet inspired by their Nordic predecessors, healthcare leaders have reportedly spent decades making the city heart-friendly. Blood pressure and cholesterol screenings are available to anyone, while city planners have made Minneapolis-Saint Paul highly bike-able. Their Chain of Lakes Park also features about two miles of canoeing fun, and you can’t walk five feet without bumping into a farmers market.
San Diego: The Land of the Workout
Several California cities receive gold stars for their healthy, happy residents, and no wonder! After all, California is sunny, warm and otherwise gorgeous practically year-round, prompting even the laziest person to get up and get moving. Residents of San Diego apparently looovvve to work out, as it is the U.S. city with the highest percentage of peeps who exercise regularly. Mountain, desert and canyon hiking trails abound, plus there’s some 200 miles of coastline if you’re dying to get your Baywatch jog on, swim or otherwise enjoy water-based activities.
Fargo, North Dakota: You Probably Didn’t Know It Existed Until Seeing That Cohen Brothers Movie
Fargo is pretty much the exact opposite of any sun-drenched city in California, but it gets credit for its sense of community. Residents regularly attend church (what else is there to do here?) with research indicating that faith in a formal religion reduces anxiety and depression. It also increases sense of belonging, meaning and well-being.
These are only some of the U.S. cities credited as the healthiest in the country. Among the worst offenders is Las Vegas, where heart disease and cancer rates are high, and access to nutritious food is low. Sin City is reportedly trying to change that, however, as they always make the list regarding worst U.S. cities for health.
How does your city do in terms of health and happiness? Leave a comment and tell us about it!
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