Latest news with #GreenMountainState
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Researchers identify America's 'healthiest state' where locals live eight years longer
Researchers have identified 'America's healthiest state' where locals live eight years longer due to a better way of living. They tracked all 50 states using federal health records and mapped public resources that support well-being, finding Vermont ranked number one due to exceptional access to natural resources and everyday tools for healthy living. The data showed that people living near fresh food markets and breathing cleaner air are staying healthier for longer, without depending heavily on hospitals or prescriptions. Nicknamed the Green Mountain State, Vermont boasts around 37.95 grocery stores per 100,000 residents, nearly 75 percent higher than the national average, allowing locals easy access to fresh, nutritious food. The state's cleaner air and lower dependence on hospitals and prescriptions also help keep residents healthier for longer. New Hampshire came in second place with the cleanest air in the country. It also ranked high in life expectancy, due to outdoor activities like skiing, kayaking, and hiking that keep locals active year-round. Washington scored third place with nearly 74 vast networks of walking routes and approximately 18 parks per 100,000 people. Louisiana, in contrast, was placed last with a mortality rate of 72.2 years for an average resident. Researchers used OpenStreetMap data to count parks, gyms, walking routes, pools, and food stores in each state, then normalized these numbers per 100,000 residents for fair comparison. They scored states on a scale of 10, with higher scores indicating better support for healthy living. The team found that states with strong wellness infrastructure tend to have healthier residents who live longer, while those without those resources often see worse health and shorter lifespans. It is not just a matter of data points. It's about millions of missed birthdays, graduations, and family dinners, all because of a zip code. The study, conducted by the Per diem healthcare staffing platform, Nursa, noted that higher park availability is associated with lower hospital readmission rates. Other high-ranking states showed different strengths. Maine had the most parks with 50 per 100,000 people, while Utah had the lowest smoking rate of any state at 10 percent, and Colorado led in gym access with over 16 gyms per 100,000 people. Massachusetts was another standout with 79.6 years of mortal years, while Maryland scored well in access to public swimming pools. The shocking state turns out to be Hawaii with a 79.9 longevity rate, and still does not make it to the top of the list, as the study only focuses on wellness and infrastructure. Hawaii's robust life expectancy likely comes from other factors such as culture, diet, and community support, which aren't fully captured by measures of physical infrastructure. At the bottom of the list, the data revealed an alarming overlap of high smoking rates, low gym access, and poor air quality. Tennessee, West Virginia, Alabama, and Nevada joined Louisiana in the bottom five. These states also tend to see higher hospital readmission rates, which suggests ongoing health issues and pressure on local healthcare systems. Experts concerned that high hospital readmission rates put a heavy strain on both patients and healthcare facilities. According to Curtis Anderson, CEO of Nursa, hospitals must manage fluctuating patient numbers while following rules to avoid financial penalties. 'This puts pressure on them to adjust staffing quickly, and managing this effectively requires flexibility and careful workforce planning,' Anderson added. The study also highlighted that air quality index and smoking rates are the two evident factors resulting in American's shorter lifespan. Researchers believes that most health outcomes depend on the surrounding areas and facilities, not just individual behavior. That means someone in Vermont or Colorado might have easy access to a hiking trail, a fitness center, and a nearby farmer's market. But in rural or low-resource areas of states like Louisiana or Alabama, residents might be miles from the nearest gym, and surrounded by poor air and processed food options. The researchers did not estimate how fast the environment changes might improve health spans but adding parks and cutting pollution could help people to live a longer life.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Two of the most dangerous animals in the world can be found in Vermont
Two of the most dangerous animals in the world can be found in Vermont. The Green Mountain State may no longer be home to catamounts (for now), but there are other potentially dangerous animals to look out for. According to BBC's Science Focus Magazine, mosquitos and snakes are two of the most deadliest animals in the world – and both can be found in Vermont. Plus, you should watch out for moose, black bears and bobcats. Mosquitos are the deadliest animals in the world, killing over 725,000 people a year through diseases like West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). According to the Vermont Department of Health, mosquito season in Vermont begins in the spring, and virus-carrying mosquitos typically emerge in the summer. In 2024, the department found 86 EEE and 64 WNV positive pools of mosquitos, plus a couple human cases. The Department of Health recommends protecting yourself from mosquitos by using insect repellant, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outside, and limiting time spent outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitos are most active. Vermont is home to eleven species of snakes, most of them harmless. But there is one venomous snake that calls Vermont home: the Timber Rattlesnake. This snake has a triangular shaped head to accommodate venom glands. Vermont's Timber Rattlesnake is endangered and is only found in a few towns in western Rutland County, according to Vermont Fish and Wildlife. Most bites are not deadly, but it's still important to be able to recognize the species and seek immediate medical attention if bit. There are about 2,000 moose in Vermont. You can find them throughout much of Vermont, but they are most numerous in the Northeast Kingdom and along the Green Mountains, according to Vermont Fish and Wildlife. At 1,000 pounds and six feet tall, a moose can pose a significant threat if it becomes aggressive. However, according to the Appalachian Mountain Club, there has never been a human fatality from a moose attack in the Northeast. Moose pose a greater danger to people in cars: several people die every year in moose-vehicle car collisions in the Northeast. Black bears are 'remarkable abundant' in Vermont, according to Vermont Fish and Wildlife. With one of the densest black bear populations in the country, there is approximately one bear for every three square miles. They are most commonly found in the Green Mountains and the Northeast Kingdom. Black bears are generally shy and like to avoid humans, but at up to 500 pounds, they can still be dangerous. If you encounter a bear, Vermont Fish and Wildlife says to remain calm, ensure the bear has an escape route and back away when possible, but do not run away. If attacked, fight back. The danger of crossing paths with a catamount, or a cougar, is a thing of the past in Vermont since the last animal was shot in 1881. However, there is another species of big cat in Vermont: the bobcat. The eastern bobcat is common throughout the state of Vermont, according to Vermont Fish and Wildlife. While small (around 30 pounds) and rarely attack humans, they can be dangerous like most other wild animals when they feel threatened. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Be aware of these 5 dangerous animals in Vermont
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Travel + Leisure
22-05-2025
- Travel + Leisure
50 Best Hiking Gear Deals in Amazon's Memorial Day Sale—Shop Osprey, Merrell, Columbia, and More Up to 79% Off
I grew up in Vermont, aka the Green Mountain state, and hiking was a big part of the culture. Throughout the years I learned how crucial it is to have quality hiking boots and other outdoor necessities with me on a trek. Now that warm weather is officially here, I've been on the hunt for new but affordable hiking gear, and Amazon's Memorial Day sale is my first stop. The sale features deals on outdoor essentials for up to 79 percent off. Everything from camping accessories to lightweight hiking clothes are marked down, with popular brands like Merrell, Osprey, Columbia, and more for as little as $10. Rare deal: Osprey Sportlite Hiking Backpack, $67 (originally $90) Osprey Sportlite Hiking Backpack, $67 (originally $90) 79 percent off: Eddie Bauer Departure Performance Skort, $14 (originally $65) Eddie Bauer Departure Performance Skort, $14 (originally $65) Best-seller: Iuga Rash Guard Shirt, $15 (originally $27) Iuga Rash Guard Shirt, $15 (originally $27) 27,000+ five-stars: Danish Endurance Hiking Socks, $28 (originally $35) Danish Endurance Hiking Socks, $28 (originally $35) Hot item: Yuzonc Camping Sleeping Pad, $24 with coupon (originally $50) Yuzonc Camping Sleeping Pad, $24 with coupon (originally $50) Beginner-friendly: Camel Crown Dome Tent, $33 (originally $40) Camel Crown Dome Tent, $33 (originally $40) Shopper-loved: LifeStraw Personal Water Filter, $17 (originally $30) LifeStraw Personal Water Filter, $17 (originally $30) Packable: Charles River Pack-N-Go Pullover, $32 (originally $42) Charles River Pack-N-Go Pullover, $32 (originally $42) Under $20: Cherainti Hydration Bladder, $10 (originally $15) Cherainti Hydration Bladder, $10 (originally $15) 2K+ purchased: Mlyenx 5-pack Long-sleeve Tee Shirts, $36 (originally $54) Whether you're a lifelong hiker or new to outdoor exploration, you can find practically everything you need at Amazon's Memorial Day sale hub. The sale is packed with major finds, like a pop-up tent that you can set upr in as little as a minute, and a compact rain jacket that folds down into a backpack-friendly size—and is less than $50. Before you hit the trails this summer, make sure you have everything you need for a smooth experience. Some of the most useful hiking gear on sale includes a set of collapsible trekking poles that you can slip into your backpack. And if you're in the market for a new backpack, Loowoko has a roomy, tear-resistant bag that comes with a rain cover to keep your things protected. Amazon dropped prices on hiking accessories that'll make helpful additions to your outdoor adventures. These mosquito repellent bracelets will eliminate the need to cover your skin in smelly bug spray, and this sun hat has a back flap that'll make sure your head and neck are completely covered throughout your trek. Even the best hiking clothes will get some wear and tear over time, but thankfully, Amazon has deals on fresh styles for the season. You can score a pair of Merrell hiking shoes for less than $100, as well as a pair of cargo leggings with several pockets to store your phone, wallet, and sunglasses. Baleaf UPF 50+ Sun Protection Shirt, $26 (originally $40) Yeoreo CoreFlex Cargo Workout Leggings, $20 (originally $36) Iuga Rash Guard Shirt, $15 (originally $27) Columbia Newton Ridge Boots, $70 (originally $90) MoFiz Capri Pants, $24 (originally $38) Toomett Hiking Pants, $28 (originally $49) Charles River Pack-N-Go Pullover, $32 (originally $42) Merrell Alverstone 2 Hiking Shoes, $55 (originally $100) Eddie Bauer Shirt, $40 (originally $80) Eddie Bauer Departure Performance Skort, $14 (originally $65) You'll also find price drops on men's clothes and shoes to make a hike comfy. That includes a pair of Timberland hiking boots that are waterproof and have adjustable laces. You can also score some lightweight hiking shorts that have moisture-wicking material and roomy pockets. You can't bring your entire home with you when you go camping, but it's important to have some handy tools, like this portable camping shower, for when you don't have access to a full bathroom. Plus, this LED camping lantern has a built-in handle and will illuminate up to 85 feet, so you can easily move through the dark without using your phone flashlight and draining the battery. Having proper sleeping quarters for your camping trips is crucial if you want to stay dry and keep bugs away while you snooze. Some of the biggest camping tent deals include a four-person design that can fit a queen-size air mattress as well as a six-person tent for less than $150, if you require extra space. After you purchase the perfect tent for your trip, grab a few more essentials to help you get a good night's rest. Amazon's sale has a warm weather sleeping bag that doesn't have a thick liner and can be compressed into a small, packable size. For some extra cushion, pick up this best-selling sleeping pad that self-inflates and costs less than $30 with an additional coupon. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
