A new study finds Utah is the No. 1 healthiest state in America this holiday season followed by Massachusetts and the District of Columbia. Louisiana, Arkansas, and West Virginia are the three most unhealthy states.
The holidays are the perfect time to eat, drink, and be merry, but also a time when Americans fall off the wagon with excessive eating, drinking and stress. Overindulging can exacerbate holiday depression and cause health issues making it important to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Life Extension released a study on the Healthiest States in America after comparing all 50 states and D.C. across eight health categories using the most recent data from the CDC.
Key Findings:
· Utah, the No. 1 healthiest state, was healthier than the average American in six of the eight categories: exercise, good overall health, heart disease, drinking, smoking, and eating fruits. The two categories where they fell short were reporting good mental health — 50.7 compared to 59.1 nationally — and eating vegetables.
· Louisiana, the No. 1 least healthy state, was less healthy than the national average in all eight categories. Notably nearly 20% of residents smoke compared to 14.4% nationally and only 71.6% exercise regularly compared to 76.3%.
· 10 Healthiest Places: Utah, Massachusetts, D.C., Connecticut, Maryland, Hawaii, Illinois, Colorado, New Hampshire, and New Jersey.
4 Tips to Stay Healthy This Holiday Season
1) Maintain Your Workout and Wellness Routine: Why wait for a New Year’s resolution? Stay healthy all season long by keeping your normal health and wellness routines going whether that means going to the gym, doing yoga, meditating, or taking long walks. To avoid weight gain consider taking a natural weight loss supplement and to avoid eating and drinking your emotions when stress occurs take a natural supplement to enhance your mood such as FlorAssist Mood Improve.
2) Do Not Use Travel as an Excuse: It is very easy to fall off the wagon when you are out of your normal routine. Thankfully, even when you are not near your gym, there are countless fitness apps that offer workout classes on demand with no equipment necessary. Additionally, being stuck at the airport does not mean you need to order a Cinnabon. Anticipate travel delays and pack healthy meals and snacks.
3) Be Proactive to Avoid Getting Sick: Getting rundown or sick is a common occurrence during the holiday season and can be mitigated by getting eight hours of sleep and by proactively taking vitamins and supplements. Echinacea, for example, will boost your immune system to help fight colds and infections, ashwagandha provides healthy energy when you are feeling burned out, and melatonin can help you sleep.
4) Take Time For Yourself: Attending holiday parties with friends, family or work can be stressful if you do not build in time to relax and recharge at home. Overscheduling will cause fatigue which can make you more susceptible to making unhealthy lifestyle choices. Be sure to prioritize and do not be afraid to decline certain invitations.
