What makes a community healthy? Richmond, Canada knows the secret

Richmond, a small city south of Vancouver in the province of British Columbia, has recently been described as Canada's healthiest community. The residents have a longer life-expectancy than the rest of the country, and generally rate among the happiest and healthiest in the country. Other spots across the world receiving similar praise include Loma Linda in California, Sardinia in Italy, Okinawa in Japan and Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica.

So what exactly is it that makes these places so darn good for you? According to this article there are a few variables. These include weather (a climate with few extremes) and fitness -- places where physical fitness is a priority both for individuals as well as the community come out ahead. For example, Richmond has loads of trails appropriate for cycling, hiking and walking, so residents don't have to spend a fortune to stay active and, as the weather is usually pretty decent, are able to spend lots of time outdoors.

Other factors include the environment (cities that make a pledge to be green fare very well) and lifestyle aspects, such as low smoking and obesity rates, combined with a commitment things like healthy eating (and eating fresh, local products) and volunteering, round out the list.

Based on these variables, where do you think your community fits in?