Gallup index finds Ann Arbor healthiest city in Michigan, 8th in the country
Though the state of Michigan may not receive high marks when it comes to overall health and well-being, Ann Arbor does, according to a new Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Report.
Ann Arbor and the Holland metropolitan areas, pictured in green, are the healthiest in the state, according to a new Gallup survey.
The city is the healthiest in Michigan, while the Holland and Grand Haven areas are the second-healthiest.
Overall, the Ann Arbor metropolitan area has the No. 8 spot at the top of 189 metro areas surveyed across the country -- but when it comes to life evaluation, it's No. 1 in the U.S.
Physical health and basic access to care were areas in which Ann Arbor improved from 2011, but in the past year it dropped from the No. 13 spot to the 77th for emotional health.
Work environment in Ann Arbor also decreased from 64th to 100th in the past year, according to the report.
Michigan is the 36th healthiest state in the country in 2012, according to the report. The ranking comes a week after a survey proclaimed Michigan as the 7th saddest state in the country, based on Twitter updates from residents.
Hawaii was ranked as the healthiest state, while West Virgina landed at the bottom of the list.
Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.
Comments
BhavanaJagat
Fri, Mar 1, 2013 : 6:55 p.m.
What is health and well-being? The University of Michigan Health System is one of our largest employer of people and it would be reasonable to assume that those employees had participated in this survey and gave the necessary boost. But, I am surprised to read the other day that many of the University students have the problem of depression, and anger. May be this survey has failed to reach that segment of the people in our City. We will remain healthy as long as our health care providers remain wealthy and satisfied.
Mike
Fri, Mar 1, 2013 : 3:26 p.m.
We're so lucky to be on the lists of best of everything in the country.................
MyOpinion
Fri, Mar 1, 2013 : 2:21 p.m.
There is plenty of research that shows that self-reported health is an excellent predictor of future mortality. This is not self-reported health, but is still a reasonable question for a self-assessment. The advantage of this Gallup study is that it is assessing this on a daily basis so that other nuances can be associated with respondent answers: dreary cloud cover, big layoff notice in the area, terrible national news like Newtown, etc. I would expect Ann Arbor to be happier than other areas in Michigan. Our economy is healthier; the residents are healthier and if not, at least more are covered by health insurance than the rest of the state.
Top Cat
Fri, Mar 1, 2013 : 1:13 p.m.
It's the craft beer and all the good exercise involved in walking to and from the brewpubs!
Ashruns82
Sat, Mar 2, 2013 : 1:56 p.m.
SO true!
sigdiamond
Fri, Mar 1, 2013 : 1:10 p.m.
So surprising to see the depressed, angry couchbound hoverounders who populate this site reacting to this good news with negativity. Who saw that coming?
Barzoom
Fri, Mar 1, 2013 : 11:25 a.m.
Another meaningless top ten rating.
PineyWoodsGuy
Fri, Mar 1, 2013 : 10:33 a.m.
This news sure makes me feel "Healthy." Sure glad I don't live anywhere else! Survey confirms that Ann Arbor has 7th most city with those over age 100.
Dog Guy
Fri, Mar 1, 2013 : 5:19 a.m.
Was this Gallup index made by asking "How're you feeling?" of people at Gallup Park on a sunny day?
smokeblwr
Fri, Mar 1, 2013 : 2:18 a.m.
What is "life evaluation" and what makes AA number one in it? I bet its our inflated sense of self satisfaction.
GoNavy
Fri, Mar 1, 2013 : 3:37 p.m.
It happens most often when you look down your nose and evaluate the lives of others, often passing judgement in the process. We're famous for that in this town.
Martha Cojelona Gratis
Fri, Mar 1, 2013 : 2:15 a.m.
Gallup has obviously never been to Frita Batidos.
An Arborigine
Fri, Mar 1, 2013 : 12:34 a.m.
How does that make the unhealthy in AA feel?
Ashruns82
Sat, Mar 2, 2013 : 1:56 p.m.
If you needed a sign to get healthy, maybe this is it.
Kai Petainen
Fri, Mar 1, 2013 : 12:10 a.m.
Goes to show that Gallup doesn't care about Dioxane 1,4 in the groundwater.