Possible keys to their hardy hearts?
Residents exercise and walk to work in large numbers and few women smoke.
This year, more farmers' markets began taking food stamps, so everyone can eat right.
Live like a local:“Visit a farm,” McCarney suggests.
And I pick apples at an orchard near my home and turn them into applesauce."
Find a farm near you atPickYourOwn.org.
Plus, residents are nearly 40 percent less likely to be in a fatal car accident.
The Montgomery County Department of Police empowers residents with free home security reviews and neighborhood-watch training.
Invite an officer to your next block party; the Celebrate Safe Communities program atUSAOnWatch.orgcan show you how.
The state gives a green stamp of approval to eco-aware hotels and restaurants so customers can seek them out.
“I connected rain barrels to my gutters and use the runoff to water my garden.”
VisitEnergySavers.govfor advice on conducting your own energy audit.
Plus: The clean environment in the Portland metro area may contribute to below-average rates of asthma and allergies.
And they get some of the most Pap smears, mammograms, breast exams and checkups.
Live like a local:“Cambridge has a culture of wellness.
Residents take advantage of city programs,” says resident Lisa Wolff, a health program evaluator.
VisitFindAHealthCenter.HRSA.govto locate free programs near you.
(In Charleston, WV, women toss and turn three nights aweek!
Plus: Getting plenty of shut-eye can help prevent hypertension, too.
Women here have the healthiest hearts in our survey.
Lung, colon and ovarian cancer deaths are also relatively rare.
“Search for listings of outdoor eventsnear you.
Live like a localCommuting by bike is a great way to squeeze in your daily exercise.
VisitBikeToWorkWeek.orgfor tips on swapping four wheels for two at least one day a week.
“You hardly ever see people smoking here,” says Mikaela Mennan, 40, an executive recruiter.
The stats prove it: Only 9 percent of women are puffers.
Live like a local:Strict laws here ban lighting up within 20 feet of any fume-free building.
If you’re still being exposed at work, go toCDC.gov/tobaccofor tips on spearheading a smokeless office.
“Even in the grocery store, people chat and cheer you up.
You feel like they really do care.”
Live like a local:Young women here form running groups to socialize.
In its first five years, the Fargo Marathon has grown from 2,400 to 13,000-plus participants.
Start your own training program at Self.com/goal.
Plus: Fargoites drive 18 minutes to work on average.
In New York City, it’s 41 minutes!
