INDIANAPOLIS – For the first time, Minneapolis-St. Paul is the healthiest, fittest metropolitan area in the United States, according to the American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) annual American Fitness Index™ (AFI).
The 2011 AFI data report, “Health and Community Fitness Status of the 50 Largest Metropolitan Areas,” evaluated the most populous city areas to identify the healthiest and fittest places in the United States. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington edged out previous leader Washington, D.C. for the top spot this year with a score of 77.2 (out of 100 possible points).
Minneapolis-St. Paul and Washington, D.C. (respectively ranked three and one in 2010) both improved their scores this year; however, the Twin Cities took the lead thanks to greater improvements in healthy behavior measures and a reduction in the percentage of smokers.
Several factors contributed to the Twin Cities’ ranking, including a relatively low smoking rate, an above-average percentage of exercising residents and moderate-to-low rates of chronic health concerns such as obesity, asthma, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. While the area reduced park-related expenditures this year, its percentage of parkland is still above average, as is the percentage of recreational facilities (other than swimming pools). Farmers markets in the area also increased this year, indicating a trend in healthier eating.
How Metro Areas Can Use the AFI Rankings
* Scores have been rounded to the nearest tenth of a point, resulting in some apparent ties; however, the rankings are based on the full, calculated scores that were not equal in those cases.
“The scores and rankings from the report indicate which metro areas are more fit and which ones are less fit,” said Walter Thompson, Ph.D., FACSM, chair of the AFI Advisory Board. “Although Minneapolis ranked first, there is room for improvement. At the same time, even the lowest-ranked areas have healthy residents and community resources supporting health and fitness.”
The AFI data report reflects a composite of preventive health behaviors, levels of chronic disease conditions, health care access and community resources and policies that support physical activity.
“A regular, scientific evaluation of the infrastructure, community assets, policies and opportunities which encourage healthy and fit lifestyles is imperative for cities wishing to provide a high quality of life for residents,” said Thompson. “Community health leaders and advocates in each metro area can use the AFI data report to easily identify their strengths and areas of opportunity.”
Grant to Provide Technical Assistance at the Metro Level
ACSM received a $171,880 grant from the WellPoint Foundation to present the 2011 AFI data report and establish pilot programs to improve health. Now, by translating key data from the AFI report, ACSM will provide technical assistance to low-ranking metro areas to help them improve health and fitness in their communities.
“As the founding sponsor of the ACSM American Fitness Index, the WellPoint Foundation is proud to be a continuing supporter of this healthy lifestyle measurement and improvement endeavor,” said Dr. Wesley Wong, regional vice president and national medical director of WellPoint’s affiliated health plans and member of the AFI Advisory Board. “Our involvement with ACSM and the AFI program illustrates our commitment to enhancing health improvement efforts across the country and allows us to be a stronger community partner in the states we serve.”
In 2011, the WellPoint Foundation grant will enable ACSM to work with community organizations in Indianapolis and Oklahoma City to pilot locally driven health improvement efforts. Four additional cities will be added in 2012 and 2013 respectively, bringing the total to ten cities that will receive tailored technical assistance from ACSM to improve the health of their communities.
This new programmatic effort will identify actionable areas with the best evidence for improving health, focus on doing the most good for the most residents – with a high priority on underserved populations – and work to make a community-wide impact quickly.
“There are no quick fixes when it comes to improving the health of an entire metro area,” said Wong. “However, our hope is that these pilots will identify some key strategies and tactics that may also work in other cities hoping to improve the health of their residents.”
The WellPoint Foundation’s support for the ACSM and AFI report is part of its continuing commitment to address health disparities and improve public health across the country. Through its State Health Index – a state-by-state compilation of public health measures – and Healthy Generations program, the WellPoint Foundation works to identify the issues most in need of attention and then directs its charitable support and volunteer efforts toward improving health in those areas. Reducing cardiac mortality rates, promoting active lifestyles and addressing the long-term health threats posed by childhood obesity are major focus areas of the Foundation.
The metropolitan rankings included in the 2011 AFI report are:
Metropolitan Area Rankings
1. Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.
2. Washington, D.C.
3. Boston, Mass.
4. Portland, Ore.
5. Denver, Colo.
6. San Francisco, Calif.
7. Hartford, Conn.
8. Seattle, Wash.
9. Virginia Beach, Va.
10. Sacramento, Calif.
11. San Jose, Calif.
12. Richmond, Va.
13. San Diego, Calif.
14. Cincinnati, Ohio
15. Salt Lake City, Utah
16. Austin, Texas
17. Pittsburgh, Pa.
18. Atlanta, Ga.
19. Providence, R.I.
20. Baltimore, Md.
21. Milwaukee, Wis.
22. Kansas City, Mo.
23. Buffalo, N.Y.
24. Raleigh, N.C.
25. Cleveland, Ohio
26. St. Louis, Mo.
27. Philadelphia, Pa.
28. Chicago, Ill.
29. Orlando, Fla.
30. New York, N.Y.
31. Jacksonville, Fla.
32. Phoenix, Ariz.
33. San Antonio, Texas
34. New Orleans, La.
35. Miami, Fla.
36. Charlotte, N.C.
37. Nashville, Tenn.
38. Columbus, Ohio
39. Dallas, Texas
40. Tampa, Fla.
41. Los Angeles, Calif.
42. Houston, Texas
43. Las Vegas, Nev.
44. Riverside, Calif.
45. Indianapolis, Ind.
46. Detroit, Mich.
47. Birmingham, Ala.
48. Memphis, Tenn.
49. Louisville, Ky.
50. Oklahoma City, Okla.
About the ACSM American Fitness Index Program and Report
To assist with measurement and to provide a baseline measure of health and fitness status, ACSM worked with the Indiana University School of Family Medicine and a panel of 26 health and physical activity experts on the methodology of the AFI data report. Researchers analyzed the data gleaned from U.S. Census data, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), The Trust for the Public Land City Park Facts and other existing research data in order to give a scientific, accurate snapshot of the health and fitness status at a metropolitan level.
The data examined fall into two categories: 1) personal health indicators; and 2) community and environmental indicators. Visit the online newsroom at www.AmericanFitnessIndex.org for a complete list of the data components.
About the ACSM American Fitness Index Program and Report
To assist with measurement and to provide a baseline measure of health and fitness status, ACSM worked with the Indiana University School of Family Medicine and a panel of 26 health and physical activity experts on the methodology of the AFI data report. Researchers analyzed the data gleaned from U.S. Census data, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), The Trust for the Public Land City Park Facts and other existing research data in order to give a scientific, accurate snapshot of the health and fitness status at a metropolitan level.
The data examined fall into two categories: 1) personal health indicators; and 2) community and environmental indicators. Visit the online newsroom at www.AmericanFitnessIndex.org for a complete list of the data components.
Showing posts with label Cities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cities. Show all posts
Monday, June 13, 2011
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
New Survey Ranks Most and Least Sun-Smart Cities
SCHAUMBURG, Ill., May 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At first glance, Hartford, Salt Lake City and Denver might not seem to have much in common. But a new survey by the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) found these three cities outshine other U.S. cities in heeding dermatologists' advice on preventing and detecting skin cancer.
The rankings of the 26 U.S. metropolitan cities are as follows:
No. 1 - Hartford
No. 2 - Salt Lake City
No. 3 - Denver
No. 4 - Tampa
No. 5 - Boston
No. 6 - Phoenix
No. 7 - Atlanta
No. 8 - Philadelphia
No. 9 - Portland
No. 10 - Baltimore
No. 11 - Dallas
No. 12 - Houston
No. 13 - Miami
No. 14 - San Francisco
No. 15 - Washington, DC
No. 16 - Detroit
No. 17 - San Diego
No. 18 - Cincinnati
No. 19 - New York City
No. 20 - Minneapolis
No. 21 - St. Louis
No. 22 - Los Angeles
No. 23 - Seattle
No. 24 - Cleveland
No. 25 - Chicago
No. 26 - Pittsburgh
The "Suntelligence: How Sun Smart is Your City?" online survey polled more than 7,000 adults nationwide to determine their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors toward tanning, sun protection and skin cancer detection. Twenty-six cities were ranked based on respondents' answers to several questions in each category.
"One common thread we found encouraging is that the majority of people polled expressed concern about skin cancer and had awareness of the importance of proper sun protection," said dermatologist William D. James, MD, FAAD, president of the Academy. "However, we found that people's behaviors did not always correlate with their concerns."
While Hartford, Salt Lake City and Denver ranked No. 1, 2 and 3, respectively, Cleveland, Chicago and Pittsburgh fell to the bottom of the sun-smart spectrum with rankings of 24, 25 and 26, respectively. When results for these cities were compared to the average collective responses for all survey respondents, significant differences were observed in the top- and bottom-ranked cities.
Hartford respondents excelled in their knowledge of sun protection and the risks associated with tanning, scoring above the average of adults overall. For example, only about one-third of respondents (35 percent) nationwide correctly answered the question that asked whether some types of ultraviolet (UV) rays are safe for your skin. Forty-two percent of Hartford respondents knew that this statement was not true – that all forms of UV exposure, from natural sunlight and artificial light sources such as tanning beds – are harmful.
Similarly, residents of Salt Lake City, Denver and Hartford all scored better than the national average when they disagreed with the statement that they are not too concerned about skin cancer because it is easily detected and treated. Overall, 76 percent of respondents nationwide disagreed with this statement, while 85 percent of respondents from Salt Lake City disagreed.
"While skin cancer can be successfully treated if detected early, the five-year survival rate for individuals with regional and distant stage melanomas are 65 percent and 16 percent, respectively. That's why people must be vigilant about protecting their skin from sun exposure and aware of the early warning signs of skin cancer," said Dr. James.
However, when examining skin cancer detection behaviors, nationally 59 percent of respondents had never been screened for skin cancer by a health-care provider. Respondents from Pittsburgh and Chicago fared even worse, with 69 percent of Pittsburgh respondents and 67 percent from Chicago admitting they had never had an examination. On the other hand, 48 percent of Hartford residents had never undergone a skin examination.
Despite dermatologists' repeated warnings about the dangers of tanning, Dr. James added that respondents in last-place Pittsburgh scored significantly worse than the overall average when asked if people look more attractive with a tan. Specifically, 81 percent of Pittsburgh respondents agreed with this statement compared to 72 percent of the general public.
"We're hoping the results of this survey will draw attention to the public's need to change its attitudes toward tanning, which is the first step in changing behavior," said Dr. James. "Our data show that most people are concerned about skin cancer, but they still need to modify their attitudes, behavior and knowledge to reduce their risk."
To minimize your risk of skin cancer, the Academy recommends that everyone Be Sun Smart®:
Generously apply a broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 to all exposed skin. "Broad-spectrum" provides protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Re-apply approximately every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.
Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.
Protect children from sun exposure by playing in the shade, using protective clothing, and applying sunscreen.
Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn.
Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don't seek the sun.
Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you've been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.
Monday, May 3, is Melanoma Monday® and the official launch of Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month®. Visit www.melanomamonday.org to take the Academy's "Suntelligence" survey, as well as to find out how to perform a skin self-exam, download a body mole map or find free skin cancer screenings in your area.
Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 16,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org.
The "Suntelligence" survey was conducted for the Academy by RH Research of Chicago from January 12 to January 31, 2010. A total of 7,116 respondents completed the online survey; more than 200 completes were conducted in each of the 26 selected MSAs (metropolitan statistical area) and an additional 1,123 completes were conducted in the U.S. outside of the MSAs. The survey's margin of error was +/-1.2 percent for national data and +/-6.9 percent for results stratified by MSA.
SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology
The rankings of the 26 U.S. metropolitan cities are as follows:
No. 1 - Hartford
No. 2 - Salt Lake City
No. 3 - Denver
No. 4 - Tampa
No. 5 - Boston
No. 6 - Phoenix
No. 7 - Atlanta
No. 8 - Philadelphia
No. 9 - Portland
No. 10 - Baltimore
No. 11 - Dallas
No. 12 - Houston
No. 13 - Miami
No. 14 - San Francisco
No. 15 - Washington, DC
No. 16 - Detroit
No. 17 - San Diego
No. 18 - Cincinnati
No. 19 - New York City
No. 20 - Minneapolis
No. 21 - St. Louis
No. 22 - Los Angeles
No. 23 - Seattle
No. 24 - Cleveland
No. 25 - Chicago
No. 26 - Pittsburgh
The "Suntelligence: How Sun Smart is Your City?" online survey polled more than 7,000 adults nationwide to determine their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors toward tanning, sun protection and skin cancer detection. Twenty-six cities were ranked based on respondents' answers to several questions in each category.
"One common thread we found encouraging is that the majority of people polled expressed concern about skin cancer and had awareness of the importance of proper sun protection," said dermatologist William D. James, MD, FAAD, president of the Academy. "However, we found that people's behaviors did not always correlate with their concerns."
While Hartford, Salt Lake City and Denver ranked No. 1, 2 and 3, respectively, Cleveland, Chicago and Pittsburgh fell to the bottom of the sun-smart spectrum with rankings of 24, 25 and 26, respectively. When results for these cities were compared to the average collective responses for all survey respondents, significant differences were observed in the top- and bottom-ranked cities.
Hartford respondents excelled in their knowledge of sun protection and the risks associated with tanning, scoring above the average of adults overall. For example, only about one-third of respondents (35 percent) nationwide correctly answered the question that asked whether some types of ultraviolet (UV) rays are safe for your skin. Forty-two percent of Hartford respondents knew that this statement was not true – that all forms of UV exposure, from natural sunlight and artificial light sources such as tanning beds – are harmful.
Similarly, residents of Salt Lake City, Denver and Hartford all scored better than the national average when they disagreed with the statement that they are not too concerned about skin cancer because it is easily detected and treated. Overall, 76 percent of respondents nationwide disagreed with this statement, while 85 percent of respondents from Salt Lake City disagreed.
"While skin cancer can be successfully treated if detected early, the five-year survival rate for individuals with regional and distant stage melanomas are 65 percent and 16 percent, respectively. That's why people must be vigilant about protecting their skin from sun exposure and aware of the early warning signs of skin cancer," said Dr. James.
However, when examining skin cancer detection behaviors, nationally 59 percent of respondents had never been screened for skin cancer by a health-care provider. Respondents from Pittsburgh and Chicago fared even worse, with 69 percent of Pittsburgh respondents and 67 percent from Chicago admitting they had never had an examination. On the other hand, 48 percent of Hartford residents had never undergone a skin examination.
Despite dermatologists' repeated warnings about the dangers of tanning, Dr. James added that respondents in last-place Pittsburgh scored significantly worse than the overall average when asked if people look more attractive with a tan. Specifically, 81 percent of Pittsburgh respondents agreed with this statement compared to 72 percent of the general public.
"We're hoping the results of this survey will draw attention to the public's need to change its attitudes toward tanning, which is the first step in changing behavior," said Dr. James. "Our data show that most people are concerned about skin cancer, but they still need to modify their attitudes, behavior and knowledge to reduce their risk."
To minimize your risk of skin cancer, the Academy recommends that everyone Be Sun Smart®:
Generously apply a broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 to all exposed skin. "Broad-spectrum" provides protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Re-apply approximately every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.
Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.
Protect children from sun exposure by playing in the shade, using protective clothing, and applying sunscreen.
Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn.
Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don't seek the sun.
Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you've been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.
Monday, May 3, is Melanoma Monday® and the official launch of Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month®. Visit www.melanomamonday.org to take the Academy's "Suntelligence" survey, as well as to find out how to perform a skin self-exam, download a body mole map or find free skin cancer screenings in your area.
Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 16,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org.
The "Suntelligence" survey was conducted for the Academy by RH Research of Chicago from January 12 to January 31, 2010. A total of 7,116 respondents completed the online survey; more than 200 completes were conducted in each of the 26 selected MSAs (metropolitan statistical area) and an additional 1,123 completes were conducted in the U.S. outside of the MSAs. The survey's margin of error was +/-1.2 percent for national data and +/-6.9 percent for results stratified by MSA.
SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology
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