Why Is Colorado Considered One of the Most Heart Healthy States?
Colorado residents have a lot to be thankful for. Between our 300 days of sunshine a year, an abundance of outdoor activities to enjoy and a temperate climate, itâs easy to stay active and fit. This level of fitness pays dividends throughout every aspect of your health, and it should come as no surprise that Colorado consistently ranks as one of the most heart healthy states in the country.
An analysis of recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranked Colorado as one of the most âin shapeâ states in the country. According to this analysis, Colorado has:
- The lowest obesity rate in the country (24.2%)
- Second lowest rate of diabetes (7.6 diagnoses per 100,000 residents)
A different evaluation of CDC data provided additional support for Colorado ranking among the most heart healthy states:
- 3rd lowest heart disease rate in the country
- 5th lowest number of heart disease deaths per 100,000 adults between the ages of 45 and 64
- Highest percentage of physically active adults in the country
In addition, five of the top ten counties with the lowest rates of heart disease deaths nationwide are in Colorado.
There are several reasons why Colorado is the ideal place for healthy living and ranks as one of the most heart healthy states year after year.
Active Lifestyle
Colorado has 42 state parks, 4 national parks, and thousands of acres of national forest access containing virtually limitless hiking and biking trails. It is a true playground for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy throughout the spring, summer and fall. Parking lots at trailheads and local lakes are full all the time, as the vast majority of Colorado residents actively seek out opportunities to enjoy this beautiful natural environment.
But the active lifestyle extends beyond activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Throughout the state, you see people out running, riding their bikes on the multiuse paths and engaging in other forms of exercise. Many individuals also have gym memberships, go to yoga studios or swim laps at their local public pool. Fitness is part of the culture in Colorado, and that provides the encouragement many people need to remain active even if they normally wouldnât be very active living in a different environment.
Winter Sports Haven
In many parts of the country, people tend to be less active in the winter when itâs harder to exercise outside. However, this isnât the case in Colorado. With world class ski resorts, many Colorado residents stay active and fit by skiing and snowboarding all winter. But the winter activities donât stop on the ski slopes. Non-skiers frequently go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing to get exercise outdoors in the winter.
A Culture of Healthy Eating
Eating a balanced, healthy diet is one of the critical components to maintaining optimal heart health. Colorado makes healthy eating easy. There are over 100 farmerâs markets across the state, and many residents take advantage of the ability to eat locally grown produce. In addition, many Colorado restaurants adopt a farm-to-table model, sourcing their ingredients from local farms. This makes it easy to eat healthy even when dining out.
This commitment to healthy eating also contributes to Colorado having the lowest obesity rate in the country. While obesity remains a growing problem throughout the rest of the state, Coloradans are able to maintain a healthy weight that reduces the risk of serious heart conditions.
Progressive Healthcare Infrastructures
Colorado is also on the forefront of healthcare innovations. There are thousands of medical clinics and hospitals across the state leveraging some of the most state-of-the-art treatments and technology available. In addition, many of the top healthcare professionals from around the world are drawn to Colorado for the quality of life offered here. As a result, Coloradans have access to some of the finest healthcare in the country. This makes it easier to stay on top of your heart health.
South Denver Cardiology Can Help You Maintain a Heart Healthy Lifestyle
Colorado is one of the most heart healthy states for a reason â our residents actively work to maintain a fit, healthy lifestyle. If youâre interested in making lifestyle adjustments that will reduce your risk of heart disease, South Denver Cardiology Associates can help.
You can take advantage of our preventive cardiology clinic, which provides comprehensive diagnostic testing that will detect any conditions that may increase your risk of heart disease. Then, our team can help you develop a customized plan to address these underlying conditions and improve your heart health.
We also offer a variety of other programs that will help you develop a heart healthy lifestyle, including:
- Weight loss clinic that will help you achieve your goals of maintaining a heart healthy weight
- Nutritional counseling services to help you adopt a heart healthy diet
- Medical fitness gym that will help you improve your cardiovascular health
Contact us today to schedule an appointment. South Denver Cardiology Associates serves patients in the South Denver area and Littleton.
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