Archive for May 23rd, 2016

How physically fit are folks in your city?

May 23, 2016

Washington, D.C. rated as “most fit city” for 3rd year in a row.

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Every year, the American College of Sports Medicine and the Anthem Foundation rates the “fitness” of major metro areas based on a number of health behaviors and environmental factors such as access to parks, recreational facilities and walking trails.

According to this year’s  report, Washington, D.C. topped the list again.

 

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What makes D.C. so fit?

• Lower (than target) percent currently smoking
• Lower death rate for cardiovascular disease
• Higher percent of city land area as parkland
• Higher percent bicycling or walking to work
• More dog parks per capita
• More park units per capita
• More recreation centers per capita

And, my favorite:  More farmers’ markets per capita

Say, what?

D.C.’s score got a couple of dings including  a biggie: Fewer golf courses per capita

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Which of the 50 biggest metro areas scored the worst?

(more…)