Would you like to live in one of these healthy hotspots?
What are the healthiest cities in America? Some of the top ranking ones might surprise you.
Each year, the American College of Sports Medicine creates the American Fitness Index, a list of the healthiest cities in the U.S. based on diet and exercise habits, recreational opportunities and the prevalence of certain diseases.
Following is a collection of some of the highest-ranking metros in the country.
Treat all your senses to the best! Live in luxury at home with these sensory tips.
You don’t need a lot of space or a huge budget to spoil yourself at home in your apartment. Here are some tips to treat your five senses without even stepping outside!
Find your perfect apartment today!
Sight
Treat your eyes to a daily dose of inspirational artwork. Sure, that kitschy paint-by-number pony you got at the thrift store might be hip, but if you really want to spoil yourself, splurge on art that speaks to your soul. Scope out a local gallery or two, and talk to the gallery owners about the style of artwork you like most. Then figure out your budget and invest in at least one piece you really adore to hang in your apartment space. Your day will be made every time you feast your eyes on it in your apartment.
Sound
Curious how to spoil yourself on a budget? Try treating your ears to some relaxing sounds that will help you sleep. Good rest at night is one of the healthiest ways to spoil yourself, and a soothing sound machine just might help do the trick. You can get an afforable model for as little as $12 and enjoy the same relaxing white noise, waterfalls or nature sounds as the well-to-do. A relaxing experience at a great price will be music to your ears.
Smell
If you can sniff out luxury from miles away, then you’ll love enjoying fine scents at home in your everyday life. Here’s a trick for spoiling yourself at home: make average cleaning activities exceptional with upscale cleansers. Simply replace your dingy dishwashing soap and canned cleaning products with decadent brands like Caldrea, Mrs. Meyer’s or Williams-Sonoma. They cost a little more, but your nose will thank you every day. (And you won’t need an aromatherapy massage to feel great!)
Taste
Do you get tongue-tied trying to choose luxury products for your palate? Sit back, relax and enjoy at-home pampering in your apartment by joining a wine-of-the-month club like Vinesse. Having wine delivered to your door is the ultimate luxury, and you’ll get the chance to experiment with different flavors every 30 days. If wine isn’t your passion, try a monthly cheese, fruit, salami or chocolate club. Heck, there’s a club for just about anything your taste desires.
Touch
After spoiling yourself with a face full of senses, don’t neglect your sense of touch. To truly tantalize your fancy feelers, invest in the ultimate in-home indulgence, luxury hotel sheets. Admit it: every time you stay at an upscale hotel, you never want to get out of bed. So why not have that experience in your own apartment bedroom? These days, most high-end hotel chains sell their own brands of sheets. With the click of a button, you could be resting on the same bedding as someone at the Ritz-Carlton.
You deserve a touch of class. The truly pampered wouldn’t think of setting foot out of their own homes to spoil themselves, so try these fun tips for living it up in your own living space to see what they’re going on about!
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / MJTH
With the busy holiday season around the corner, it’s easy to say you’re too busy to hit the gym. But with all of the get-togethers, celebrations and potlucks, getting in a quick workout may be beneficial. Use objects around your apartment and get moving to battle those holiday calories.
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There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a veterinarian for your pet.
Finding the right veterinarian for you and your pet can be a difficult task. You want to find a courteous, knowledgeable professional that fits your budget. Read on to find our tips on how to find a veterinarian that is right for you and your furry friend.
Tap your network. Ask your friends, family members, coworkers, neighbors, and other pet owners you know who they recommend.
Consider your pet’s needs. If you have a ferret or a reptile, look for vets who specialize in those animals.
Check the web. The Internet can be a useful tool in your vet search. The following websites are a great place to start:
Professional Organizations. Is the vet you’re looking into a member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)? AAHA membership means that they have voluntarily pursued and met AAHA’s standards in the areas of facility, equipment, and quality care.
Are they a specialist? Ask the vet about board certification. This means he or she has studied an additional two to four years in the specialty area and passed a rigorous exam.
Schedule a visit. Once you have narrowed down your search, schedule a meeting with them without your pet. No reputable vet will have a problem with this. Look them over carefully. Are their facilities clean? Is their staff courteous and caring? Do they keep the dogs and cats caged in separate rooms?
Consider your wallet. Do the vet’s fees fit your budget? Is it within easy driving distance from your home or work? Does the vet make house calls if necessary?
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a vet. You want a professional who truly cares about your and your pet, at a price that won’t break the bank. But if you follow this checklist, you’ll find a great veterinarian for your best friend in no time.
Photo credit: iStockphoto/spxChrome
Here are some thoughts on designing an apartment to suit your soul.
Good health starts at home. But do you know how to set up a living space that encourages a healthy lifestyle? The definition of a healthy home is a little different for everyone, but here are some apartment living tips to set you on the right track.
Feed your soul
The kitchen is one of the first living spaces people consider when setting up a healthy space in their apartment. Cooking meals at home allows you to make healthy choices like cooking with organic and preservative-free foods. Take some time to make sure your kitchen has all of the tools you need to create healthful meals. Invest in a quality blender or juicer for smoothies. An attractive fruit basket will inspire you to pick up more produce. Clear out your crisper so you can fill the refrigerator with veggies. Buy a water filter for your faucet or a water-purifying pitcher. Small changes like these will motivate you to stock up on food and drinks that are good for you.
Snuggle up soundly
You spend a third of your life sleeping, so make it count! Buy eco-friendly organic linens that will make you feel good. Many people are allergic to synthetic fibers and an all-organic home will ensure that you are treating your body right. Make your living room more livable with organic furniture created from natural products. You can even improve the air you breathe by placing air purifiers in the rooms where you hang out the most. Clean rooms will keep you healthier.
Fit in fitness
Another key component to being healthy at home is making room for exercise. Create a cardio-friendly apartment by using a spare bedroom or a corner of your den as a fitness center. If you have the space, buy a treadmill or elliptical machine so you can fit in 30 minutes of exercise every day. Invest in a yoga mat and a small set of weights for strength training. With some creative design you can create a home gym in any size apartment.
Organize an oasis
Clutter can cause a lot of stress, so lighten your load by organizing your home. Designate special areas for everyday items from mail to bills to DVDs. Creating an organized home doesn’t have to mean looking at a bunch of boring boxes. There are many unique storage options available to help you keep your favorite things close by, yet contained. Once you start clearing surfaces and creating more space in your home, you’ll be surprised how much more relaxed you’ll feel.
Accentuate the positive
Ideally, your home should be a place that inspires you to do your best. You can punch up your vibe by decorating with positive affirmations. Signs with upbeat sayings like “Keep Calm and Carry On” will put you in the right frame of mind before you walk out the door. Be bold and improve your mental health by proudly displaying your optimistic outlook on life.
Making your apartment a healthy home is a very personal thing, and each person has unique needs. Think about what makes you feel good and design your apartment to suit your soul.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / wavebreakmedia ltd
This February, Boston residents are coming together to support heart health.
Lots of events are happening in Boston in February, including various Black History Month events and celebrations, Valentine’s Day events and American Heath Month events. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and more women die of heart disease than all forms of cancer combined. American Heart Month serves to increase awareness about the disease, and events around the nation are in place to educate Americans, as well as to benefit the American Heart Association. If you’re in Boston in February and are looking to participate in the events, here are a few ways to get involved.
National Wear Red Day
On Feb. 3, Americans nationwide are encouraged to wear red to show their support for women’s heart health. Join local legislators, neighbors and loved ones on this day by wearing red. Some of the events in Boston for National Wear Red Day include:
Go Red CONNECT
Share your story for a chance to become a Go Red for Women spokesperson and inspire others. The American Heart Association is hosting a casting call to select women from Massachusetts to be a part of this project. If chosen, your story could be featured in PSAs, websites, brochures, magazine features, etc. This event also features free health screenings, giveaways and professional hair and makeup touch-ups.
When: Feb. 3, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Natick Mall Neiman Marcus Court, 1245 Worcester St., Natick, MA 01760
Macy’s Go Red For Women Sale
As one of the main sponsors of Go Red For Women, Macy’s stores across the country, including Boston, are holding a Wear Red Sale from Feb. 2-6. Wear red to any store and receive extra savings. You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase a Red Dress Pin for $2, and Macy’s will donate 100 percent of all Red Dress Pin sales to the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement.
Women and Heart Disease Presentation
Nandita Scott, MD, of the Corrigan Women’s Heart Health Program will share insight and answer questions about heart disease in women. A light lunch will be served.
When: Feb. 6, Noon – 1 p.m.
Where: Massachusetts General Hospital Thier Conference Room, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA 02114
Absolut Love for the Geeks Who Drink
It’s trivia night with a twist. Benefitting the American Heart Association, trivia night with Geeks Who Drink and Absolut Vodka is guaranteed to be a good time for you and your Valentine. The buy-in is $5, and the winner gets a 50 percent payout.
When: Feb. 14, 7 p.m.
Where: Sweet Caroline’s, 1260 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02215
It is important to remain heart-conscious during American Heart Month.
February is an action-packed month. In addition to being known for Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, and many other holidays, February is also American Heart Month. As heart disease affects millions of Americans, it is important to remain heart-conscious year-round, and especially during this month. So if you’re in the Chicago area this February, take some time to commemorate American Heart Month at these great awareness events.
National Wear Red Day
National Wear Red Day is Feb. 3, when millions of Americans nationwide wear red to show support for women’s heart health. National and local Chicago news anchors, television personalities and celebrities will follow suit by dressing in red, the signature color of the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement.
Chicago Goes Red
Going along with the “wear red” theme, buildings throughout the country will Go Red in an effort to raise awareness for women and heart disease. Many iconic Chicago buildings and landmarks will be going red to support the cause, such as the Willis Tower, the Wrigley Building, the Art Institute, the Smurfit-Stone Building and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Go Red For Women Luncheon
Mark your calendars for Feb. 24 for the Chicago Go Red For Women Luncheon. More than 600 women will attend this powerful, half-day event, which will feature educational breakout sessions, free health screenings, exhibits, a heart-healthy lunch and an empowering lecture from keynote speaker Charles “Peanut” Tillman.
Details: Feb. 24, 9–1 p.m., Palmer House Hilton, 17 East Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60603
Go Red Connect Event
At the Go Red Connect Event, women who have been affected by heart disease will be able to share stories and connect with other women in similar situations.
Details: Feb. 4, 1-4 p.m., Macy’s, 1 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Go Red For Women Community Expo
The Go Red For Women Community Expo is an all-day comprehensive event designed to raise awareness of heart disease. There are many great things to take advantage of at the expo, including free heart-health screenings, question and answer sessions in English and Spanish conducted by healthcare professionals from the Chicago area, interactive workshops on heart-healthy living, cooking demonstrations and a Zumba class.
Details: Feb. 24, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., University of Illinois Chicago Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60607
Run with Heart 5K Fun Run
Lace up your running shoes and head to the Run with Heart 5K Fun Run, a local kickoff event that features guest speakers, prizes, educational materials and an exciting 5K course through Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood. Participants are encouraged to wear red for the event.
Details: Feb. 4, 2 p.m., Fleet Feet Sports Piper’s Alley, 1620 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60614
Macy’s Wear Red Day Sale
Many Macy’s stores throughout Chicago will be participating in the Wear Red Day Sale, a special sale in honor of National Wear Red Day. At the sale, customers who are wearing anything red, from lipstick to an entire outfit, will receive 20 percent off most regular and sale price items, while customers who aren’t wearing red will be able to purchase the official Go Red For Women red dress lapel pin by making a $2 donation to the American Heart Association.
Details: Feb. 1-5, Macy’s throughout Chicago
Photo credit: iStockphoto/JuSun