America’s Top 10 Healthiest Cities Where are the healthiest places to live in The United States? The Survivors Club has pulled together the Top 10 cities for surviving — residents in these areas have lower rates of obesity and heart disease. Those who live in these 10 cities are also thriving in their happy, low-stress lives. Is your city one of the The Survivors Club’s picks?

San Francisco, CA

San Francisco, California sometimes known as “The Paris of the West” is not only chic — it’s super healthy! According to Prevention, San Francisco is America’s number one walking city. It has also ranked on the top of lists for running, cycling, most athletic and fit, and a sport city. Residents take advantage of the city’s large Golden Gate Park practicing tai chi, yoga, and capoeira on the grass. The eclectic cuisine San Francisco offers boasts an abundance of delicious vegetarian options. Also one of the most heart friendly cities, San Francisco has relatively low smoking rates.

Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. attracts millions of visitors to the nation’s capital each year many of whom walk around the National Mall. Besides walking the city, its healthy residents also take advantage of the fact that D.C. is one of America’s best running cities. It has also made the list for being heart-friendly and happy according to Gallup’s Well-Being Index, making it one of the healthiest cities in the US. The international cuisine environment offers many healthy and delicious restaurants with wonderful vegetarian options. Despite its reputation as a serious city, Washingtonians know how to have healthy fun.

Denver, CO

Denver, Colorado may offer more possibilities for the sports enthusiast than any other city in the country. The “Mile-High City” near thousands of square miles of wilderness offers outdoor fun. Just off the Rocky Mountains, Denver is one of America’s best climbing cities where residents climb peaks in the summer and ski down in the winter. Also one of the top walking and running cities in America, Denver has also been recognized as both being one of the most athletic and fittest. Despite its snowfall, the sun shines most days on Denver’s healthy population earning it a spot on the fittest and most health conscious lists.

San Jose, CA

San Jose, California is not only one of America’s cleanest cities it is also one of the happiest, according to Gallup’s Well-being Index, making it one of the healthiest cities in the US to raise a family. The city’s access to breathtaking nature through the city parks and nearby national parks like Yosemite, make the location perfect for active people. Ranked on the “Best Of” lists for being one of the cleanest cities, a best walking cities, and one of the fittest (thanks in part to being so cyclist friendly), San Jose is also recognized for its low smoking and crime rates. In addition, residents have the option to explore the California scenery of San Jose by foot or bike.

Seattle, WA

Seattle, Washington is known as one of America’s most heart-friendly cities. It’s residents regularly use the wonderful waterfront park path both for cycling and running making it one of the healthiest cities in the US. The city’s access to Mt. Rainer for hiking and climbing makes it a unique metropolis. Seattle has ranked on the top lists for being family and vegetarian friendly making it a comfortable choice to raise a healthy family. Despite the reputation of its constant rain, the city has an active, healthy-conscious and athletic population.

Salt Lake City, UT

Although Salt Lake City, Utah is often overlooked when compared to the huge international metropolises across America, this number one heart friendly mid-sized metro, according to the American Heart Association, stands out as one of the nation’s healthiest. Residents enjoy progressive smoke-free legislation and an above average body mass index. Just minutes from the Wasatch National Forest and the Great Salt Lake, residents can easily access Utah’s beautiful wilderness perfect for mountain biking, hiking and water sports. Known for its low cardiac mortality, this top rock climbing and running city offers tons of outdoor activities for its energetic residents. Sacramento, CA Sacramento, California is both the state capital and one of its largest metro areas. Because it is considered one of America’s best walking cities, low commute times make it a healthy and low-stress U.S. city. Sacramento’s access to breathtaking city parks like Discovery and River Front Park offer residents great locations to be outdoors and get exercise. The city is also recognized as having some of the highest number of residents with health club memberships for those busier people on the go. Plus being close to Lake Tahoe and national forests, residents have plenty of nearby access to some of California’s most beautiful outdoor locations.

Austin, TX

Austin, Texas is home of one of America’s hottest music scenes, and also some of the country’s “hottest” residents. People in this Texas town enjoy reduced commute times and a relatively low crime rate. They also engage in the city’s easy access for running and walking. The city made the list of America’s top metro areas with the most athletic residents. Tourists and residents alike frequently enjoy the spicy flavors of the vegetarian options that are abundant in this central Texas city. This up-and-coming town, also ranked high for safety, attracts many from the younger generation who enthusiastically lace up their running shoes and enjoy the Texas sun.

Boston, MA

Boston’s twisting colonial roads disorient many drivers but the same streets offer endless exercise and entertainment for residents. Massachusetts’ capital is Prevention’s #2 walking city and one of the nation’s most athletic cities. Families comfortably enjoy Boston’s relatively low crime rate and the delicious vegetarian food options while out on the town. Home to the prestigious Boston Marathon, runners around the globe come to enjoy this running city. Boston is also one of the fittest and most heart friendly. Although the stresses of this New England city may be hard to balance, Boston fosters residents’ need to remain health conscious.

Orange County, CA

Orange County, CA is known for its sprawling beaches, never-ending sun and laid-back attitude. Perhaps, that is why Orange County made the top of the list for America’s least stressful cities. Locals enjoy healthy food much of which is grown locally in California, and an environment perfect for surfing and swimming. Halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles, residents also can take advantage of the healthy attractions in those nearby cities. Although traffic and lots of driving can be a negative, many residents just kick back and let the waves “wash off” their stress.

By: Alexander K Smith

Having trouble sleeping then this sounds familiar. This is the second night in a row or is it the third that you haven’t slept well? What use to be an occasional thing has grown into a big problem but you don’t want to use any of those scary drugs for your insomnia. Acupuncture health visits may help if you do a weekly series of treatment but go prepared with information about your insomnia and follow our simply home tips to get a better nights rest.

First sit down and figure out the answers to these self questions what, where, when, how and why you sleep. Remember the old writing rules they apply here too.

What is keeping you awake? A runaway mind or is it the cat in bed with you?

Where do you sleep? On the couch and then you move later to your bed?

When do you sleep? Is the idea of a set bed time hard for you to do or does your life interfere with a regular sleep pattern?

How do you sleep? Do you tend to curl up in a ball, or sleep on your stomach? Maybe you toss and turn trying to get comfortable each night. Why do you sleep? Could it be because you are tired or maybe it’s “time to go to bed.”

The above list will help you and your health provider select the best acupuncture health program for you while these home tips will help you start feeling rested quick.

1. Go to bed at the same time each night if possible. Setting a schedule helps you develop a habit. After 21 days of doing something daily it becomes a habit. It’s important to understand why we sleep. Sleep allows your body and mind to rest. Many people wait until they are exhausted to go to bed instead of going to bed when you start to feel tired.

2. When you sleep plays a huge role in the quality of the rest. The best time to sleep is between 10:00pm and 6:00am this is because research shows that we go into the deepest sleep between 11:00pm and 2:00am as our body releases healing hormones and regenerates during these hours.

3. Ask yourself could it be where you are sleeping that is contributing to your insomnia. Many people start their ‘sleep’ time at night on the couch and then later move to the bed and can’t get back to sleep. Sleeping on the couch, in a chair or any place other than your bed can cause sleeplessness not only because you have to get up to go to bed but your sleep location should be just that only used for sleep and well maybe one other thing but not for watching television.

While we can say that there are many causes of insomnia according to acupuncture health science, besides following these 3 tips be sure not to eat within 3 hours of going to bed, don’t drink sodas, caffeine drinks or do cardiovascular exercise within 5 hours of going to sleep.

By: Debra Arko

As we all know that education plays an important and vital role and part in each and every sector. Without knowledge and suitable information, not a single individual will be able to complete any type of task. Same is the situation over here! The education sector in Denver has been taken into account with much greater attention and notice. This is the only way to make the other sectors work best in the most appropriate way. In Denver, we will notice and observe that large and multiple universities are being introduced and initiated which are working efficiently and effectively and trying their level best to bring out the best results.

Here come the universities like Health Sciences Center, University of Denver Law School and Red Rocks Community College. All of them are being recognized by the distinguished committees which is quite and rather remarkable. They offer and initiate graduate and under graduate programmes. Highly trained professors and teachers are being provided to the students which are putting their best and giving huge amount of efforts and attempts as possible as they can. University of Denver is largest university as well as the oldest university. So we cal easily and conveniently rely on these institutions.

Metropolitan State College, Regis University and Argosy University comprises consist of many branches all over the state. On the other hand, in case of schools, we will se Denver Public Schools, elementary schools, middle schools and charter schools. All these categories contain larger number of schools which deserves huge round of applause. The study programmes are of great and grand quality. Students will not any problem or draw back in this sector. Their future is almost secure by getting admission in these particular universities and colleges.

It has also been taken into account that Jewish and catholic institutions are being set up in a separate sector to avoid any kind of mess or haphazardness. Extreme beneficial subjects are being offered to the students to bring out the best from their selves. It will help and guide them to cultivate a plan and pen down their thoughts in the best possible way. Also practical work and learning environment been offered there are their plus and strong points over there. These institutions will surely be yours first and foremost choice no matter what ever the situation is! You will not regret. So get up and go and secure your future in the best way.

Hence, all the above mentioned discussion clearly give us a clear picture that the schools, universities and colleges in Denver are getting immense and great attention and notice day by day. Hopefully in the future time period we will surely see a great and grand new side of the education sector. Although it is up to the mark and matches to our requirements but a little bit work needs to be done to bring out the best results and outcomes. In this way large number of students will be able to retain get stick up to these particular universities and institutions.

By: Christina Xio

The padded room. The straight jacket. The nurses tightening the leather confines on a writhing patient. That is the image that comes to my mind when I hear “state mental health hospital.” Unfortunate as it may be, this is not an entirely outdated image. While community- and university-based treatment facilities for mental illnesses have slowly begun progressing into recovery-based approaches, state hospitals on the eastern reaches of the country seem to be lost in the past; focusing on stabilization rather than treatment.

In the 1950s, those with mental illnesses were seen as societal misfits and were, consequently, jailed. The prison system became stressed and, as a result, the government issued funding for the creation of mental health asylums and hospitals. It is more then mere coincidence that such facilities were constructed directly next to state penitentiaries.

As mental health hospitals cropped up along the eastern coast, the mental health population was transferred from jails to asylums. Yet something was still wrong; the focus was still on simply removing the individuals from society. In the opinion of many practitioners, the purpose of hospitals was, to a large extent, to warehouse humans rather than to treat mental illnesses. Even for the most well-intentioned facilities treatment was largely an impossibility; the staff to patient ratio was incredibly imbalanced, meaning stabilization, rather than treatment and progression, became the priority.

But mental health workers did the best they could do with what they were given, and such workers should be commended and applauded for their bravery and devotion. As the years have progressed, treatment facilities have become far less stressed, making quality treatment within a state hospital a possibility in regards to patient-staff ratios. Unfortunately, as the mental health community has progressed into the concept of mental health recovery rather than mere treatment, the state institutions have not yet followed.

State practitioners still largely focus upon stabilization rather than systematic recovery. The difference is in the end result. Recovery focuses upon creating an improved living condition wherein those suffering from mental illnesses can continue to live rich, fulfilling lives while living on their own and being self-sufficient. Recovery is also largely driven by the consumer rather than the practitioner. Treatment and stabilization plans, on the contrary, do not focus upon self-empowerment and enrichment, but rather upon finding the right combination of medication to insure minimal down-spirals while the mental healthcare consumer remains in their current condition. Stabilization tactics are also largely driven by the mental healthcare practitioner, thus lack motivation goals innate to inwardly driven recovery methods.

The problem arises in the fact that stabilization might truncate symptoms with medication at a certain level, but such a treatment plan does not encourage a reduction of symptom interference levels or self sustainability. Stabilization of mental illnesses assumes the current condition of the mental healthcare consumer is as good as their life is going to get; the assumption that one can recover from a severe mental illness to live a fulfilling, successful life is not even made evident.

Mental illnesses and mental recovery demand a systemic, systematic treatment plan that addresses several factors of an individual’s life. The social network needs to be addressed. Housing needs to be addressed. Employment needs to be addressed. And yes, medication and symptom stabilization does need to be approached as well, but it is one factor of the overall treatment plan, not the entire purpose of mental healthcare systems.

To find out more about recovery-based facilities, check out the Mental Health Center of Denver’s homepage at MHCD’s homepage, or access their research and evaluation team’s homepage at Research and Evaluations.

The mental health recovery movement is continuously growing. State institutions are a great improvement over mental hospitals of the past, but the road to recovery lies in mental health recovery based approaches; those that treat multiple levels of a consumer’s life simultaneously. Recovery needs to be the focus, not stabilization. Fulfillment rather than existence. Happiness rather than mundaneness.

By: Lex Douvasa

Football fans across the country are creating an early demand for any available Denver Broncos tickets that can be “begged, bummed, or borrowed”. With the return of some great 2008 starters and the addition of some top free agent selections there is already and electricity in the air about the chances for a strong run at the 2009 title by the Broncos. This team has one of the strongest fan bases and enjoys support not only in the Western legions Rocky Mountain region, but all across the United States. Historically when this football team has been in a runner up position in the division race the next season sees the players explode onto the field and fans expect no less in the 2009 fall season.

Fans Throw Their Weight Behind The Broncos

The Denver Broncos were one of the charter members of the American Football League. Beginning with the 1970 merger of the AFL and NFL divisions they have consistently been one of the leading franchises both on and off the field. With an impressive record of a half dozen AFC championships in 1977, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1997 and again in 1998 it is easy to see why their enthusiastic fans eagerly snap up Denver Broncos tickets early in the year.

There are more than 74,000 Denver Broncos tickets available annually and season seats have been sellouts every year with tens of thousands more hopeful fans placing their names on a waiting list. The Denver Broncos 31-24 dominance of Green Bay during Super Bowl XXXII is still a much-heralded event and a source of great pride for players, owners, and their fans. The Denver team added another championship the very next year by clinching this title once again in Super Bowl XXXIII and this back-to-back feat is something that only 5 other football teams have ever managed to accomplish.

History and Highlights of the Denver Bronco Franchise

The Denver Bronco AFL charter was awarded in 1959 to Bob Howsam who owned a minor league baseball team and built the 1940s Stadium for the Chicago Bears. With limited funds, the first team took to the field with old used uniforms and socks that had vertical stripes. After 2 years, Jack Faulkner was brought in as the head coach and general manager. He began the work of taking the team from laughing stock to a respected sports entity, and he gave their much-ridiculed socks the boot in a public ceremony that gave the fans the opportunity to see them go up in flames. Although there was not a lot of happiness during the first decade of the Denver Broncos franchise they did have their moments.

- 1st AFL game win was 13-10 in August, 1960, against the Boston Patriots.

- In August, 1967, the team recorded the 1st AFL win ever over an NFL rival with a 13-7 victory over the Detroit Lions.

- However, the team’s dismal 39-97-4 record for the first ten years put them at the bottom of the 8 AFL teams at the time.

A “Hail Mary” Saves the Denver Broncos from Being Sold

It was in 1965 that the team’s fortunes took a turn for the better when the move to allow Atlanta to buy the Broncos was stymied. At the zero hour, it was Gerald and Allan Phipps who put up the millions to purchase the team and the stadium. The excitement of the fans was unprecedented and they showed their thanks by buying over 22,000 season Denver Broncos tickets. In 1964, not even 8000 Denver Broncos tickets had been purchased which made this event even more staggering in scope. The city of Denver took over ownership of the old Bears Stadium in 1968 and gave it the new name of the Mile High.

From The Bottom All the Way to Mile High

Almost 20,000 additional seats were added as the Mile High was expanded to hold 51,706 screaming viewers, and supporters. In 1976 the stadium’s capacity was increased to 63, 532 and then to 75, 100 by 1977. With every increase in seating fans were quick to increase their demand for Denver Broncos tickets. Ever since these early years loyal supporters have made sure that there are no Denver Broncos season tickets lying about unsold. In the early years, the Denver Broncos were the butt of jokes and laughter as the AFL tried to establish itself as a viable contender in the football world. Until 2001, when they opened the season on the world-class INVESCO Football Field at their own Mile High Stadium, they had to play on the same field that the 1960s franchise used.

Records and Achievements of the Denver Bronco Team

The rich history of the Denver Broncos team is marked by appearances in playoffs or championship games in 1977, 1978, and 1979. Football fans now had plenty of additional reasons to stand in long lines if there was any chance to snag one of those coveted Denver Broncos tickets. This AFL powerhouse has fallen shy of the .500 benchmark less than 5 times since 1965 and they amassed 7 AFC division titles and championships in a short 14 year period from 1977 to 1991. In 91, they had a shot at the Super Bowl XXIV title but fell to the San Francisco 49ers. Denver is a team that demands the best from their players and the Denver Broncos followed this championship effort up by making it back to the division playoffs in 1992, 1996 and 1997.

Denver Bronco tickets continued to be one of the hottest items on the sports market though during both 1997 and 1998 when the team dominated all comers and brought the ultimate Super Bowl title home twice. In 1997, they blasted the famed Packers and in 98, they destroyed the Atlanta Falcons. 2000, 2003, 2004 and 2005 were again playoff years for the Colorado team. In 2008, they had a .500 season as the team posted a Win-Loss record of 8-8, which led them to a second place division finish just behind San Diego. While the past 3 seasons have not seen the teams as one of the players on the field at the annual Big Game, the team is busy regrouping and readying the stage for a 2009 season that may be one of their best ever.

Fast Forward Check of the 2009 Season

Fans welcomed the news of the signing of some exciting new free agents to the Denver Broncos roster that included the name of quarterback Chris Simms. This is the son of football great, Phil Simms, who as a former quarterback led his team to victory and earned a Super Bowl ring. The fans are well aware of the incredible potential that Chris holds and they are hoping that their Denver Broncos tickets will be used to watch their team go all the way in 2009.

As the backup to the Tennessee Titans’ Kerry Collins and Vince Young, it seems as though the younger Simms has not been able to showcase the extent of his playing ability, but this may be his breakout year. The other names that are setting Denver abuzz are those of receiving threat JJ Arrington and LaMont Jordan. Both of these players have earned recognition as superior ball carriers.

Arrington is already the third running back that the Denver Bronco organization has signed which seems a clear signal of where this season’s emphasis will be placed. The past 4 years Arrington has been with the Arizona Cardinals and was active in 14 of the team’s 2008 games. His stats include 183 carries for a total of 654 yards and an impressive 91 game catches that gave him two touchdowns and almost 700 yards.

For Broncos fans, the 2009 football season cannot make it here fast enough. The depth charts have not yet been announced; but already the eager and the hopeful are planning for some “wild and wooly” victory celebrations at the fabled Mile High football field.

By: Matt Joal

What Makes a Tea an Oolong Tea?

There are 3 main distinct types of tea which can be generally categorized as follows:

a) Green Tea: is treated or boiled following picking to prevent the leaves from oxidizing and retaining their natural colour.

b) Black Tea: is left to oxidize following picking, that’s how it gets their distinctive colour.

c) Oolong Tea: the raw leaves are sun-wilted and then bruised, which exposes their juices to the air, so the leaves oxidise and start to turn brown like a cut fruit. They are allowed to oxidise only partially, giving them a rich, floral flavour. The tea is then dried fully; locking in the rich flavors that oolong tea is known to offer. Oolong’s unique drying process creates a tea that has many metabolic stimulating attributes

Oolongs range from bright green and slightly fermented to dark-leafed and hearty. The greener varieties are less fermented. Oolong tea therefore comes in a wide range of tastes and aromas from teas very close in taste to green tea to those very close to black tea.

Health Benefits

Oolong tea burns over 157% more fat than Green Tea – and therefore becoming the most popular teas designed to accelerate weigh loss.

Drinking two cups of Oolong tea every day not only helps shed stubborn pounds by boosting your metabolism, but also blocks the fattening effects of carbohydrates.

Wulong tea promotes beauty and health – Oolong tea contains a large quantity of polyphenol which:

o promotes strong, healthy teeth;

o improves cognitive functioning and mental well-being;

o preventing eczema, allergies;

o clarifies your skin, giving it a healthy, radiant glow and

o strengthens your immune system.

Oolong tea endorsed by Oprah

Where Can I Get Some?

Visit www.teaworld.co.uk where you will find the some of the finest Oolong teas, Ginger Oolong, China Oolong and Champagne Oolong.

Try before You Buy – You can always request a sample and try before you buy!

By: Uma Mays

As the cost of health care increases, so does the strain on household budgets. A majority of today’s families are barely getting by, and an increasing number of households are living with no health insurance at all. In fact, more than 46 million Americans now live uninsured–and that number increases by the year.

Health insurance is designed to protect you and your family from expense in case of accidents or illness. Doctor bills; hospitalization; medical tests and treatments; rehabilitation, and maternity/pediatric care…all fall within these bounds.

So what’s a family to do if it needs health insurance protection but doesn’t have much to spend?

Getting Cheap Health Insurance

The less likely you are to need health care, the less you’ll pay for your health insurance coverage. Therefore, finding ways to reduce your claims risk increases your chances of getting the cheap health insurance rates you deserve.

If your family needs cheap health insurance and you’re not sure how to get it, use these money-saving strategies to reduce your health insurance premiums:

Take care of your bodies. Get regular exercise; eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, and see your doctor for routine check-ups and health care advice. Don’t drink or smoke. If you do what’s necessary to maintain your health, you’ll reduce your health care costs in the long run–reducing, in turn, your health insurance costs. Set your deductibles high. What is a deductible? It’s simply the amount you have to pay on your medical bills before your health insurance kicks in and pays the rest. According to experts, it’s not uncommon for families to save up to 25 percent on health insurance premiums with a high deductible plan. The more responsibility you take for the cost of your medical care, the less responsibility your health insurance company has to carry–and the lower your health insurance rates will be. Find a group policy. Group health insurance is always less expensive. This is because the financial risk to the health insurance company is spread amongst the entire group, instead of resting solely on you. Look for group health insurance through your employer, or through community or professional organizations to which you belong. Buy early.The younger you are when you purchase health insurance, the lower your premiums will be. This is because your risk of health-related issues increases as you get older. Buying health insurance early on means your family saves on monthly premiums, as well as over the life of the policy. Coordinate your coverages. If you and your spouse both work and have health insurance available, compare plans–and choose the best parts of each. Sharing expenses between more than one insurance plan makes things cheaper for both health insurance companies–and for you. Your family’s health insurance premiums don’t have to eat into the household budget–or your bank account. Use these strategies to get cheap health insurance protection, and you’ll be prepared for whatever comes your way.

By: Penny Hagerman