Washington D.C. Ranked Number 1 for Healthy Living

Yeah baby! we made it again!  We are ranked No. 1 for the third consecutive year for living healthy, according to a report released by the American College of Sports Medicine‘s American Fitness Index.

The researchers culled data from federal reports and evaluated a multitude of factors, including preventive health behaviors, levels of chronic disease and community health policies for the 50 largest metropolitan areas.

The Washington area scored 73.5 out of 100 possible points. Boston was second with 72.6, and cities in the West dominated the top 10.

Among findings: The D.C. area has a higher than average percentage of people eating the recommended daily portions of fruit and vegetables and lower than the national average rates of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Residents have access to parkland, and a significant number can walk to and from work.

The score combines two sets of measures, using data from federal reports and other official outlets:

• Personal-health indicators, which measure health behaviors (exercise, smoking, eating healthy meals), chronic health problems and health care.

• Community environmental factors, focusing on parkland, farmers markets, public transportation, dog parks and recreational facilities.

The Washington area was third in both scores. No.12 Cincinnati ranked 27th in personal health indicators, but was first in community factors. No. 6 Denver-Aurora ranked first in personal-health indicators and 14 in community factors.

According to the report, D.C. had a higher than average percentage of people who eat the recommended daily portions of fruit and vegetables and lower than the national average rates of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Residents have access to parks, and a large number are able to walk to and from work.

The researchers also found higher education levels was linked to better health and fitness. Areas with a high percentage of residents with high school degrees or higher were more likely to be physically active and be in excellent or very good health.

The top 10 fittest cities
1. Washington, D.C., 73.5
2. Boston, Mass., 72.6
3. Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn., 71.7
4. Seattle, Wash., 70.5
5. Portland, Ore., 70.4
6. Denver, Colo., 69.9
7. Sacramento, Calif., 65.8
8. San Francisco, Calif., 64.7
9. Hartford, Conn., 64.4
10. Austin, Texas, 63.9

The bottom 10 fittest cities
1. Oklahoma City, Okla., 24.3
2. Birmingham, Ala., 31.2
3. Memphis, Tenn., 31.6
4. Detroit, Mich., 31.9
5. Louisville, Ky., 32.5
6. Las Vegas, Nev., 35.3
7. Indianapolis, Ind., 35.9
8. San Antonio, Texas, 36.9
9. Houston, Texas, 37.6
10. New Orleans, La., 37.7

I hope the index help the communities develop policies affecting health and fitness, showing assets and weaknesses.

To add more juice to DC, here is a tribute to those of you still love drinking soda Drink red wine my friend.