By Evan Fischer
Anyone who resides in or near a major urban center is likely well aware of all the toxic pollutants hanging around. The greenhouse gas emissions from gridlock are enough to cause asthma and other respiratory disorders, and the massive amounts of waste from trash and other sources are no laughing matter, either.
And yet, it’s not all wine and roses in rural areas, either, especially those that are heavily farmed. The pollution from pesticides and fertilizers (which seep into the soil and water supply and contribute to chemical drift in the air) might be even worse than smog. Aside from chemical concerns, those who are constantly stuck in commuter traffic, surrounded by diverting electronics, and too busy to cook a meal (opting for fast food or TV dinners instead) are also likely to suffer health problems. But there are places where people live healthier lives. Here are a few you may want to check out.
- France. This western European country has consistently ranked amongst the top countries to live in by both magazines and inhabitants. And while you may want to avoid large, urban areas for obvious health reasons, it seems that the whole rest of the country is fair game when it comes to living the good life (and the people of France seem to live longer and remain healthier throughout – like Jeanne Calment, who lived to the age of 122!). Apparently there’s something in the water (or the wine). In truth, it is probably the incredible health care system (which the World Health Organization ranks at number one) and the laid-back lifestyle that most French residents adopt.
- New Zealand. This land has become popular in movies because of the gorgeous landscapes, and the same lack of inhabitants (and their associated waste and pollution) that keeps this island nation beautiful also contributes to its health benefits. Fresh foods are abundant, residents embrace outdoor living, and health care is eminently affordable (or even free).
- Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. This Central American country has received a lot of attention in the last several years as a great vacation destination or a place to retire, and it may be because of the many health benefits of living there. The diet is super healthy, with a water supply loaded with calcium and a menu that features a lot of fiber, the air is dry and clear, and there is an emphasis on family and community that contributes to happiness (which everyone knows is good for your health).
- Sardinia. Although this Mediterranean nation has the flavor of nearby nations like Italy and Greece, it is a world unto itself, and healthy living is the tradition. Walking is common (the majority of men are shepherds) and there are few toxins to contaminate the environment. The residents rely on a diet of fresh fruits and veggies, beans, whole grains, olive oil, and grass-fed sheep (yup, the animals are organic!), and the result is one of the highest populations of over-100 inhabitants in the world.
- Portland, Oregon. Okay, so this is certainly a big city, but the prevalent rain keeps the air clear and there are an incredible number of healthy-living options. The mass transit is both efficient and widespread and many people opt to walk and ride bikes. In addition, they support all kinds of healthy eating. Whether you’re a vegetarian, a vegan, or you prefer a macrobiotic diet, you can find restaurants and markets that cater to you in this health-friendly city. There may be healthy places to live in Michigan, Iowa, or Arizona, but Portland strives to embrace health-centric alternative lifestyles.
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Evan Fischer is a freelance writer and part-time student at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California.
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Dear “Guest” – might you be from Oregon? ;0)
I must say you have chosen some unique places to consider for health-centric alternatives. Had the chance to visit a few…but I have to say that while I LOVE the beauty & could never argue one’s choice to try to integrate into various unique surrounds…I don’t waste many minutes worrying about the levels of toxic pollutants, gas emissions & the hand-wringing over organic vs. store brands.
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For 4 yrs. we lived in Germany & France…in what would be considered remote areas. I soaked vegetables in salt for hrs. to get rid of the mealy bugs etc.! Got ‘milk poisoning’ from unpasturized milk, ETC…& NO, if France is the ultimate in health care…who fixed the books at the WHO? Pardonez moi…it was/is NOT something I’d brag about.
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Walk? That they do! I love the small villages where everyone knows everyone…but not a state in the good ole USA doesn’t have those niches. But then again, I spent most of my youth in NYC. Yes, stockings melted w. pollution, but the drinking water – rated #1, & walking – a way of life…for me. As was the electrifying culture – food for the soul. ( My mother managed to live 86 good, vibrant yrs. in the heart of Manhatten. Certainly NOT to 122, but then again…I’m not so sure that’s the goal when we check into this world?)
HB, very interesting re: your time in France and Germany!
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I love Portland, Oregon. I’d consider moving there if I had a job waiting….
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Great piece, but I also think we need to remember that no matter where we live we can make healthy choices individually. Walking is still free, right?
What? You mean Los Angeles isn’t a healthy place to live? 😉
HB,
Sorry, I neglected to put in Evan’s byline and bio. I just placed it. He is from Southern California.
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I do want to say that I was raised in a farming community and in the 80s there was an alarming increased in cancer, specifically brain tumors in that community. They did connect that to pesticides, if I remember right.
Pam, I’m sure you’re correct. Just as where we live now is supposed to be toxic b/c of all the lawn services using chemicals that seep into the drainage, & run into our creek. The woods that surround us are owned by the very purist of the pure…Chesapeake Bay Foundation. They test & test…no dead fish, no toxic hazards, yet we who abut their territory are monitored & YES, THEIR/our trees are dying b/c they will not allow spraying for moths, Dutch elm etc. if you live within a 1/4 mi. radius.
Our latest land mine. We have been living in a house for over 2 months – partially flooded from a tree on our roof, & yet watch men clad in white jumpsuits & masks remove rooms of furniture etc. covered w. mold. Yet, it’s fine for us to stay here…so says the EPA? BUT the EPA has told our insurance co. that this house can NOT be sold w/o total mold mitigation. It’s been tagged ‘unfit for sale’, but safe for US to live in??? So much of this hype is dangerously close to being white noise. I’ve become very cynical in my dotage. As in…just who gains & who loses – financially. One last caveat. The 2 men from the EPA took off their masks & lit up their cigarettes as they got into their truck. Go figure!
I have 4 refineries within 25 miles of my house. I’m not surprised we aren’t on the list of Healthiest places to Live