Healthiest Cities Challenge

This post was sponsored by The Aetna Foundation. I may be compensated for sponsored posts seen within Nosh and Nurture, but know that I only work with companies whose initiatives and products I stand behind 100%. All opinions are my own. 

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How healthy is YOUR city? 

If you're like most American's, you're unable to quantify this with a distinguishable answer, however, in a survey given by The Aetna Foundation, most residents would rate their city a C. This seems highly lacking to me and I know from experience, that where you live can have a major impact on your overall health and lifestyle. 

Not only are we lacking in knowledge of upping our cities health factors, most American's perceptions of health are skewed. When surveyed, most American's, up to 77% according to the CDC, would rate their health quite high, stating that they live a healthy lifestyle 5 out of 7 days. Yet when we look at this countries health decline (50% of adults suffer from at least one chronic illness) and rising obesity rates, one could wonder if this is in fact the truth. 

Geographical location, along with environmental influences, have a great deal to do with our state of health in any given point in our life. I know personally, living in southern California as compared to living in Arizona's West Valley, southern California greatly offered me more healthy fare, including vegan and gluten-free options, as well as more even weather temperatures and community health events that allowed me to walk more and exercise outdoors year round. Whereas, in an Arizona summer I barely make it outside, let alone to walk or get to the gym. Is part of this my doing? Of course. But part of it is the location factor. It all plays a part. My city is also greatly lacking in any eateries that aren't a mass chain, leaving very few healthy, locally sourced options. 

That is why I was so passionate to pair up with the Aetna Foundation and their Healthiest Cities and Counties Challenge. It's a beautiful initiative that helps motivate our cities to put new programs in place to influence the health of it's community. 

Learn More About The #HealthiestCitiesChallenge

And we, as our city's patrons, can play a part in the integration of improved conditions for how our area supports health and wellness. That fact is not only exciting, it gives us hope for a healthier lifestyle overall for not only us, but for our children's generation. The Aetna Foundation stated that 94% of America's are willing to do something in order to make their environment a healthier one. 

​How can we do that? I share six ideas below that you can work on over time. As for what we are doing, Mr.

Charming and I are growing our own herb and vegetable garden this summer and have already sprouted some delicious green onion that we use for our morning omelettes. 

He also found a job much closer to home which means less driving and coming home for lunch. We also are avid supporters of small, local businesses including eateries that get their menu items from local farms. 

Other ideas include contacting your local health department or health coalition to find out ways you can get involved to help, or to ask them of health initiatives they have planned for your area. If none are planned, it might be time to get out your pen and paper and write to your government officials to ask for, and usher in, healthy change! 

In addition to physically making changes, our mindfulness plays a huge role in our overall health and I love to see that Aetna and the Aetna Foundation recognize stress management as a major issue in America today. 

69% of American's believe it is crucial to tend to our mental state to avoid stress, while 59% believe being in a good mood makes or breaks our day. This group also agrees that fitness and nutrition play an equally important role in our well-being. This means we are on a good path to a majority of American's seeking balance and understanding the importance this trifecta of details makes. There is hope!

Walking, yoga and meditation are wonderful ways to de-stress and its important to take time out of each day, no matter how brief, to check in with yourself and your state of well being. Even on the busiest of days I take a moment throughout the day to assess my stress level and decide if I need to step away and get fresh air, if a gentle stretch will help or if I need to break away all together for a short yoga or meditation session. 

As we juggle work, family, home and social responsibilities, self-care becomes more and more a vital aspect we need not push to the back burner. Many feel guilty in doing so, but in the end your work, relationships and overall happiness will be amplified when you're centered, less stressed and happier overall. 

The Aetna Foundation is looking for the top 50 healthiest cities and YOU have a chance to make an impact in your community and get them nominated. If you follow along the challenge you'll get to learn about the innovator cities that are making the biggest changes. Those include:

• San Diego, CA
• Tulsa City, OK
• Kansas City, MO 
• New Haven, CT
• Cleveland and Cuyahoga Counties, OH
• Durham and Cabarrus Counties, NC

Learn How To Get Your City Nominated!

Before we wrap up, make sure to visit my post of tips on how you and your family can increase Health & Wellness in your home every day! The Aetna Foundation also gives some great tips, so make sure you check it out to see what we recommend! And, if you feel so inclined, pin and share with all your lovely friends and family. 

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 10 Ways To Increase Health & Wellness Everyday
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​And finally, we'd love to know what makes YOUR city great? Comment below or join in the conversation on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #HealthiestCitiesChallenge and let us know! If you also tag @noshandnurture, I'll feature a list of Healthy Rock Star cities here on Nosh and Nurture's Wanderlust to spread the word on how awesome your city is doing or what you are doing / eating / enjoying in your city to boost your health and wellness.