That's Fit

A couple of weeks ago we pointed you to www.StateHealthFacts.org, where you can see where your state ranks on obesity, smoking, breast cancer and the like. Now there's news out of Harvard that your location, income, and even race dictate your average longevity. The findings were so disparate that the study's researchers say it's like there are eight different America's instead of one. Well, we have a lot of territory to cover ... and cover it, we do. Want to live to be 80? Pack your bags for Hawaii, Minnesota and Utah. Where are shorter life spans found? Try Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama, where 75 is the average age.

The study's team thought they'd find that lack of access to good health care would play a role. And while it certainly does, the biggest longevity gaps are due to -- you guessed it -- alcohol and tobacco use, blood pressure, cholesterol and obesity. Geography may shed light on how dietary customs, local industry and regional trends in physical activity affect how long we live, but the study really just goes to show that adopting healthy habits (and good genetics) are your ticket to living a long life.

That, plus perhaps a healthy dose of faith and a cold shower.