The healthiest community in America is.....

…..congratulations is you guessed “Los Alomos County, New Mexico.” Surprised? Maybe.

This area may be best known for producing the first atomic bombs during World War 2, but it’s also a haven for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Ranking just behind Los Alomos were a the great Denver, Colorado area, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and Falls Church, Virginia. This, according to a study conducted by US News.

https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities

If you live in Columbia County, New York, we’ve got some bad news for you…….you finished DFL in the rankings, as the LEAST healthy community in the United States. Ouch.

So, what goes into creating a healthy community, something that is of grave importance particularly during a global pandemic?

• low racial segregation — COVID-19, like most diseases, viruses, disorders, and health conditions, has impacted people of color, and lower income communities at a much more significant rate than their white and high income counterparts. promoting equality across the community is a huge component of health.

• philanthropy — the health of a community is truly revealed in challenging times, as people have come together to raise money for masks, ppe, food drives, and other vital goods and services.

• mental health — this is an area of ever increasing concern, as depression, anxiety, suicide, and overall mental well being is being recognized for it’s importance on overall health.

• social services — access to healthy foods, transportation, and affordable housing create a better, healthier overall community

• outdoor recreation — Los Alomos has an abundance of trails, parks, and ways for all it’s residents to easily access outside spaces to promote exercise, fitness, and recreation.

Curious where New Orleans fits in?? Hint: towards the bottom. Ugh.