From Your Health Journal…..”An interesting article from Today.com via Men’s Health by Cassie Shortsleeve about the healthiest states. We hear so much about Americans being overweight or obese, as the article suggests that 27.8 percent of Americans are obese, 9.5 percent have diabetes, 30.8 percent have hypertension, and 26.2 percent lead sedentary lifestyles. The good news? Some states are better of than others. As many of you know, I love articles from Men’s Health magazine, and this is a good one. I have included a little tease below, but please visit the Today.com web site (listed below) to read the complete article.”
From the article…..
If only getting your health back on track was as simple as moving to a healthier place. The research is certainly out there: People who live in areas with plenty of green plants and trees are happier, and working out in a city could lead to higher inflammation.
But when the United Health Foundation released a list of the healthiest and unhealthiest states this month, the results were grim: A full 27.8 percent of Americans are obese, 9.5 percent have diabetes, 30.8 percent have hypertension, and 26.2 percent lead sedentary lifestyles. The good news? Some states are better of than others.
Take your health to the next level with these tips from the five healthiest states–no matter where you live.
Get Smart Like #1 Vermont
According to the report, Vermonters work their bodies and their brains–the state has one of the highest high school graduation rates in the country.
What you can learn: People with more than a high school diploma live up to 7 years longer, says a Harvard Medical School study. But researchers credit the extra years to the idea that the more educated you are, the better access you have to health information. The good news: Even if you don’t have a Ph.D., up-to-date health information is available at your fingertips. Get yourself up to speed by checking out our roundup of The Best Health Apps.
Instill Happiness Like #2 Hawaii
Besides the obvious lure and health boosts of a sunny destination (vitamin D improves your mood) and an outdoorsy culture (surfing, hiking, and biking burn calories), Hawaii also ranked #1 for well-being in the 2012 Gallup Healthways Well-Being Index–a survey of more than 350,000 people. (Here’s why Hawaiians are the The Happiest People in America.)
What you can learn: You can’t steal the Hawaiian sun, but as little as 15 minutes of exercise outdoors on a sunny day–anywhere–can increase feelings of happiness and lower your risk for depression.
Break a Sweat Like #3 New Hampshire
With one of the lowest sedentary lifestyle rates in the U.S., New Hampshire stays healthy because it’s blessed by surroundings that welcome exercise. Mountains, lakes, the Atlantic Ocean, and trails provide year-round fitness escapes.
To read the full article…..Click here