Washington DC Prioritizes Health!
Not surprisingly, Washington DC is widely recognized as one of the healthiest cities in the US, with health and fitness being a high priority for many DC and wider Washington DMV area residents. A 2016 study showed that DC ranked as the fittest city in DC for the third time in a row.
Recent studies show that a huge proportion of DC's residents (96.3%) live within a 10-minute walk to a park. We are lucky enough to live in a beautifully designed city with several national landmarks that have prioritized open green space. Our national mall (and surrounding areas), rock creek park, river road, and beautiful large circles (Dupont, Logan).
Washington DC Health Statistics[1]
· Only 6% of the population of Washington DC is affected by the cardiovascular disease; this is 2% lower than the national average of 8.1%.
· Washington DC has the lowest rate of diabetes at 7.5%.
· Washington DC has the nation’s second lowest obesity rate at 24.3%.
· High blood pressure affects just 27.2% of the population, approximately 5% lower than the national average.
· According to Senior Living – Washington DC’s life expectancy is slightly lower than the national average, with residents living to just 76.
The Best Places to Walk in Washington DC
The secret to success in the gym is to be active outside of the gym. Washington, DC is a great walkable city. Redfin Washington DC has a great list of the most walkable neighborhoods in DC[2]. Most notably U-Street, Dupont Cirlce, Mount Vernon Triangle, Downtown Washington, Foggy Bottom, Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, Logan Circle.
Professional Environment In DC
Washington DC is home to some of the world's most competitive professional landscapes. As the nation's capital, many of these professions circulate around the government.
More so than other cities, the workplace of Washington DC, typically places a big emphasis on networking and events. This can sometimes cause a large consumption of alcoholic beverages. The CDC has shown that drinking too much alcohol can have a negative effect on your health [3].
In addition, some professional environments also require a tremendous number of hours per day, limiting the ability to be active, spend time outside and focus on reducing stress.
[1] https://thehill.com/changing-america/well-being/longevity/3580243-washington-d-c-most-in-shape-area-in-the-nation-study-says/
[2] https://www.redfin.com/city/12839/DC/Washington-DC/most-walkable-neighborhoods
[3] https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm
