America's Top 20 Fittest Cities

2011 
Rank   Metro Area                  Score             2010 Rank1.         Minneapolis-St. Paul     77.2               3
2.         Washington, D.C.          76.8               1
3.         Boston, Mass.               69.1               2
4.         Portland, Ore.                67.7               5
5.         Denver, Colo.                 67.6              6
6.         San Francisco                66.8              8
7.         Hartford, Conn.              66.8              9
8.         Seattle                           66.5               4
9.         Virginia Beach, Va.        65.8             17
10.       Sacramento, Calif.        65.3               7
11.       San Jose, Calif.             65.2              14
12.       Richmond, Va.               64.2              11
13.       San Diego, Calif.           63.3              13
14.       Cincinnati                      60.3              12
15.       Salt Lake City                59.8              15
16.       Austin, Texas                 57.8              18
17.       Pittsburgh, Pa.               55.5              23
18.       Atlanta                           55.2              16
19.       Providence, R.I.             55.1              18
20.       Baltimore                       53.7               20

Here are some of the contributing factors to these results...

Farmers markets in the area increased in 2011 compared to last year, suggesting a trend in healthier eating.  Also reported were greater improvements in healthy behavior measures and a reduction in the percentage of cigarette smokers.


Positive factors included an above-average percentage of residents who exercise and moderate-to-low rates of chronic health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease.

Now for Southern California... only one of our great cities made it in the Top 20... San Diego.  Maybe it's because So Orange County has an illusion of health because some of it is cosmetic and not genuine.  Genuine health requires a commitment to living a grace filled life and walking in the freedom that is ours in Christ.  When we live under the law, we will do the least amount we need to in order to get by.  If we can do a little nip and tuck, find a short cut or a loop hole we will.  But grace when it's realized will lead us to make healthy choices that reflect the freedom of choice we have in Christ.