Best bets
San Francisco, California; Salt Lake City, Utah; St. Paul, Minnesota; Portland, Maine; Seattle, Washington; Austin, Texas; Burlington, Vermont; Minneapolis, Minnesota; San Jose, California; and Boise, Idaho make the cut for the best cities for women, says Marla Ahlgrimm.
Marla Ahlgrimm reports that San Francisco’s women are by far the healthiest in the country thanks to the area’s many amenities that lend to an active lifestyle. Women here report being happier than anywhere in the United States. In other parts of California, women in San Jose score best for heart health, largely because of the city’s almost non-existent population of smokers.
Worrisome and woeful
St. Louis, Missouri; Detroit, Michigan; Jackson, Mississippi; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Cleveland, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; Toledo, Ohio; Memphis, Tennessee; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Birmingham, Alabama are places Marla Ahlgrimm says to avoid for your greatest chance at a better checkup.
There are a number of reasons these cities fall to the bottom of the barrel where women’s health is concerned. Marla Ahlgrimm cites the most common issues with these low-ranking cities are inadequate healthcare, poor walkability, economic instability, pollution, and failing school districts.
A better you
No matter where you live, Marla Ahlgrimm says there is always opportunities to improve your physical and mental health. She recommends establishing a healthy diet, exercising at least three times a week, settling down with a good book every once in awhile, and spending time with family and friends.
