When it comes to healthiest cities Nashua ranks 86th, Manchester 87th, study finds

With employer-provided healthcare plan costs expected to rise by an average of 5.6% in 2023, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2023's Healthiest and Unhealthiest Cities in America, as well as expert commentary.
To identify the places where health is a priority, WalletHub compared more than 180 of the largest U.S. cities across 43 key metrics. The data set ranges from the cost of a medical visit to fruit and vegetable consumption to the percentage of residents who are fully vaccinated.

Key Stats

• Fremont, California, has the lowest share of physically unhealthy adults, 6.20 percent, which is 2.8 times lower than in Newark, New Jersey, the city with the highest at 17.60 percent.
• Laredo, Texas, has the lowest cost per doctor's visit, $65.00, which is 3.6 times less expensive than in Juneau, Alaska, the city with the highest at $235.22.
• Portland, Maine, has the lowest share of adults eating fruit less than once daily, 32.00 percent, which is 1.6 times lower than in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the city with the highest at 52.60 percent.
• Glendale, Arizona, has the lowest average monthly cost for a fitness-club membership, $15.00, which is 7.1 times less expensive than in Juneau, Alaska, the city with the highest at $106.88.

To view the full report and your city's rank, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/healthiest-cities/31072

Expert Commentary

What are the most important factors to consider in choosing a city that is good for your health?

"For those with specific medical conditions, it is important to consider whether you can easily access the medical care you need. For more general health concerns, one of the most important things to look for is whether the city allows getting outside and exercising. Are there green spaces, parks, and/or safe streets with sidewalks? Also, health is as much about mental and emotional well-being as it is about physical well-being, so it is also important to reflect on whether this is a city where you can feel at home. Is it close to friends and family who enhance your life? Is it the kind of place where you can readily incorporate your passions and preferences (or hobbies) into your daily life?"
Amy L. McGuire, JD, Ph.D. - Professor; Director, Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine

"What I look for are characteristics that support a healthy lifestyle and a sense of community. For me, these include good health care; a city that offers activities I like to do, such as arts and recreation; low crime; green space as well as reasonable air and water quality; and a city that is welcoming and accessible. I want to select a community that will likely be able to meet most of my health needs as these change over time."
Stephanie Hanson, Ph.D., ABPP (Rp) - Executive Associate Dean, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida

What tips do you have for a person looking to embrace a more healthy lifestyle while on a budget?

"Expensive gym memberships are not necessary to embrace a healthy lifestyle. You can make small adjustments to your daily routine, without spending any money, to improve your health. Make the time to take a walk in the evening, wake up a few minutes early to stretch or do yoga, or bring your sneakers to work and walk around the office during your lunch break. It is also important to try to incorporate healthy foods into your diet. This can be difficult on a budget, but it is not impossible. Some times for eating healthy on a budget are to plan your meals, shop with a list, and cut costs with coupons."
Amy L. McGuire, JD, Ph.D. - Professor; Director, Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine

"We have all heard it - exercise, nutrition, stress management, preventative health, and dental care. Becoming healthier can seem overwhelming but you really do not need much money to make changes towards a healthier lifestyle. For example, you do not need fancy equipment to stay active. You can walk or roll, dance, stretch, or do resistance training (using everyday objects) in your own home or in the community...In order to help address everyday stresses, you can practice relaxation techniques or mindfulness as well as exercise. For those with internet access, several free programs support physical, mental, and emotional health as well as healthy eating on a budget. Preventative dental care is also important to overall health so do not forget to brush and floss. You can also make small changes at work. If you have a desk job, make sure you take breaks and move around...And reach out to someone you can rely on to be your healthy lifestyle buddy."
Stephanie Hanson, Ph.D., ABPP (Rp) - Executive Associate Dean, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida

Since health and wealth are both long-term investments, what are some effective strategies for convincing people to invest more in their health today?

"Developing healthy habits - at an early age - are the best investment we can make in our own health. Healthy habits and behaviors benefit our health over a lifetime and improve health and quality of life starting at any age. My favorite example is the extraordinary health benefit of regular physical activity. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity - in the short term - improves sleep, reduces stress and anxiety, and lowers blood pressure. Over time, regular physical activity improves heart and brain health, strengthens bones, prevents many types of cancer, and helps us keep a healthy weight. Regular physical activity, such as walking, is one of the best investments we can make in our health. Current science-based guidelines include this advice for everyone."
Jan K. Carney, MD, MPH - Associate Dean; Professor; Director, Graduate Public Health Programs, University of Vermont

"Communicating that it is okay to start small. Most importantly, just make a start. There is a common misconception that investing in personal health or wealth requires a huge immediate change. Little investments and setting realistic, attainable goals that fit with your lifestyle can make a huge difference over time. Also, the positive reinforcement of achieving what you set out to do can encourage even greater investments."
Loren Saulsberry, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor, The University of Chicago