Did you work out today? Eat healthy? Drink lots of water? Get proper sleep? Believe it or not, Hoyas, the answer is probably yes. That is, if you’re in the D.C.-Metro Area.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Washington, D.C. ranks second on their Annual Fitness Index (AFI) of the 50 top U.S. metropolitan areas.
The index measures levels of chronic disease, preventative health behaviors, health care access, community resources and policies that encourage active, healthy lifestyles. This year, D.C. was awarded 77.7 out of 100 possible points on the AFI rankings. First place went to the Minneapolis-St.Paul metropolitan area, who scored a 78.2 overall.
The ACSM data showing D.C.’s health-concious lifestyle is nothing new. This is the second year in a row that D.C. has come in second place overall on the AFI. (Last year, D.C. scored a 75.8 – once again inched out by Minneapolis-St. Paul, which scored a 76.4.)
According to an ACSM press release regarding this year’s Index:
Washington ranked first on personal health indicators related to health behaviors, chronic health conditions and health care access. The area ranked third on community/environmental indicators associated to the built environment, recreational facilities, park-related expenditures, physical education requirements and primary health care providers.
The ACSM aims to improve urban quality of life across the U.S. through initiatives like the annual AFI. For this year’s survey, the group worked alongside the Indiana University School of Family Medicine and a panel of 26 health and physical activity experts to compile data from numerous sources, including the U.S. Center for Disease Control, the U.S. Census and Prevention’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
For more information about Washington’s health statistics, this year’s AFI and more, check out this page.
And until next year, stay healthy, Hoyas.
Photo: Sari Frankel/The Hoya
