Originally published February 13 2006
Baltimore labeled America's fittest city
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Men's Fitness Magazine has put Baltimore at the top of its list of the healthiest U.S. cities, surprising many Baltimore residents, who claim the city lives on junk food.
When an annual survey named Baltimore the fittest city in America, many Charm City residents had the same response: You gotta be kidding.
"I think it's probably the most mis-fit city in America," said Charisse Bailey as she dug into a typical Baltimore lunch: fried red snapper on thick white bread, with a side of french fries and a beer.
The city's skyline is dotted with neon signs advertising Domino sugar, Utz potato chips and National Bohemian beer.
And while many neighborhoods, such as Fells Point and Federal Hill, have been transformed by an influx of young professionals, a Friday night visit to either reveals a culture that revolves around drinking and greasy food.
Nevertheless, Men's Fitness magazine placed Baltimore at the top of its annual list of cities where fitness is king, ahead of Honolulu (No. 2 for the second consecutive year), San Francisco (No. 7) and last year's winner, Seattle (No. 8).
Last year, Baltimore was closer to Houston than it was to Honolulu, checking in as the 25th-fattest city in the Men's Fitness tally.
Men's Fitness editor Neal Boulton is quick to point out that the survey is far from scientific, and he says it took additional factors into account this year that worked in Baltimore's favor.
Among them: the amount of public park space, access to health care, air quality, the relatively small number of fast-food restaurants and the leadership of Mayor Martin O'Malley.
Rival magazine Men's Health had a different take on Baltimore.
In its current issue, the magazine ranks Baltimore 93rd on its list of the "100 Best Cities for Men," with grades of "F" in health and quality of life and "C+" in fitness.
San Francisco tops the Men's Health survey, and Honolulu is No. 2.
When told of the Men's Fitness honor, they invariably reacted with shock, bewilderment or outright laughter.
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