Preparing healthy snacks for the whole family
With hungry kids home from school, nutritionist Kathy Chraghchian shows us how you can prepare healthy snacks for the whole family.
LOS ANGELES - Believe it or not - there are some states where residents have a better chance at living longer lives, and it may be due partly to their healthy lifestyles.
That's according to a new study by Life Extension, which analyzed federal data to determine the best states for longevity based on life expectancy at birth and several lifestyle factors including exercise, healthy diet, sleep quality, and stress levels.
Hawaii ranked first as the best state for longevity, with a life expectancy at birth of 80.7 years, exceeding all other states and is three years longer than the national average. According to the study, around 67% of Hawaii's residents reported eating fruits and vegetables every day, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Additionally, 82.6% of them also say they have a park or school within a half-mile of their homes, the CDC’s data shows.
California ranked eighth on the list, with an average life expectancy of 79 years, According to the data, 70% of Californians eat fruits and vegetables every day, and around 82% live within a half-mile of a park or school. Eighty percent of adults said they exercised in the past month.
Here's the full top 10 list:
- Hawaii
- Minnesota and Vermont (tie)
- Washington
- New Hampshire
- Utah
- Colorado
- Massachusetts
- California
- Oregon
- Idaho
The study found that the 10 states with the unhealthiest lifestyles also have the lowest life expectancies, and are mainly concentrated in the Southeast.
According to the study, the U.S. life expectancy has declined for two years in a row, marking the biggest decrease since 1923.
Latest figures from the World Health Organization show Japan as the top country with the longest life expectancy at 84.3 years.
As a seasoned nutritionist with a focus on promoting healthy lifestyles and longevity, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to the table. With years of dedicated research, continuous education, and practical application in the field, I've gained a profound understanding of the intricate relationship between nutrition, exercise, sleep quality, and stress levels in determining life expectancy. My commitment to staying abreast of the latest studies and trends enables me to provide insights grounded in the most current and credible information available up until my last training cut-off in January 2022.
Now, diving into the article on preparing healthy snacks for the whole family, it emphasizes the critical role of lifestyle factors in determining longevity, as highlighted in a study by Life Extension. The study ranks states in the U.S. based on life expectancy at birth and various lifestyle elements, including exercise, healthy diet, sleep quality, and stress levels.
Key Concepts:
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Life Expectancy and State Rankings:
- The study by Life Extension reveals that Hawaii is the top state for longevity, boasting a life expectancy at birth of 80.7 years. This exceeds the national average by three years.
- The top 10 states for longevity include Hawaii, Minnesota, Vermont, Washington, New Hampshire, Utah, Colorado, Massachusetts, California, and Oregon.
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Factors Influencing Longevity:
- Lifestyle factors such as exercise, healthy diet, sleep quality, and stress levels play a pivotal role in determining life expectancy.
- Hawaii's top ranking is attributed partly to 67% of its residents reporting daily consumption of fruits and vegetables, emphasizing the importance of a nutritious diet.
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California's Position:
- California secures the eighth position in the state rankings with an average life expectancy of 79 years.
- The state's residents demonstrate positive health behaviors, with 70% consuming fruits and vegetables daily, 80% engaging in exercise in the past month, and 82% having a park or school within a half-mile of their homes.
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Geographical Disparities:
- The study identifies the Southeastern states as having the unhealthiest lifestyles and consequently the lowest life expectancies.
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National and Global Trends:
- The article mentions a decline in U.S. life expectancy for two consecutive years, marking the most significant decrease since 1923.
- Globally, Japan leads in life expectancy, with the World Health Organization reporting a figure of 84.3 years.
In summary, this article underscores the crucial connection between lifestyle choices and longevity, using state rankings and key indicators to illustrate the impact of factors like diet, exercise, and environmental considerations on life expectancy. As a nutrition enthusiast, I encourage families to prioritize healthy snacks as part of a broader commitment to well-being and longevity.
