Do You Live in a Happy (U.S.) State?

The results of the 2011 Gallup Survey of the happiest states in the US were released this week. Hawaii scored top honors, and "almost heaven" West Virginia came in last.

I've lived in both states and can understand each one's score.

Hawaii had top scores in Life Evaluation (expectation of good times to come in the next five years), Emotional Health (more smiling, happiness, and laughter) and Physical Health (daily energy level, feeling well-rested).

West Virginia was at the bottom in all three categories.

Where does your state rank?

Take a look at the survey to see where you state ranks. There is lots of information to be mined from this survey. For instance…

Eight of the ten unhappiest states significantly overlap with the "Diabetes Belt," a group of Southern states where at least 11% of the population has diabetes (and often higher). Those states are West Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio, Louisiana, Kentucky, Arkansas, Alabama, and Mississippi.

Is poor health is site-specific?

It's no surprise that the Diabetes Belt states have such low happiness ratings. Diabetes and depression often go hand in hand. Studies show that people with diabetes have a far higher chance of suffering from depression as well.

With regard to life expectancy, Mississippi and many of the Southern states come up short. Five counties in Mississippi have the lowest life expectancy for women (below 74.5 years) and four of those counties, plus one more, have an even lower life expectancy for men (an average of 67 years).

Is moving to a healthier state the solution?

Is geography destiny? Why do some states seem to predispose their residents to health and happiness, while others are inclined towards misery and illness?

And if you live in an unhappy/unhealthy state, is there some way you can turn the tables for yourself and family?

Here are some tips from the happy/healthy states that you can apply to your own life to raise your personal score…

1. Why the "aloha state" aces it

Hawaii and vitamin D: Hawaii's beach-centric lifestyle provides its residents with lots of sunshine, which the body transforms into vitamin D. This amazing vitamin (most Americans are deficient because doctors still consider the sun our enemy) is protective against all cancers … strengthens bones … prevents and heals diabetes … protects against heart disease … lowers blood pressure … and most relevant to the Gallup study, reverses depression and drives happiness.

Your take-home tip: Whenever you can, spend 10-20 minutes sunbathing — without sunscreen. (Your body transforms sunshine into all the vitamin D it needs.) Another option is to take 2,000-5,000 iu of a good quality vitamin D supplement daily. (The elderly and African-Americans need higher doses.) Just make sure you purchase vitamin D3 (not D2) because it is 87% more potent than vitamin D2. And eat foods that are rich in the sunshine vitamin. Eggs … Pacific wild-caught salmon … fish oil … and organ meats.

2. Go ask Alaska

Alaska and omega-3: The third happiest state is home to the most healthful and delicious wild-caught salmon in the world. It's also a goldmine of omega-3 fatty acids … the amino acid tryptophan … vitamins B and D … plus the minerals selenium and magnesium — all of which are essential for the production of serotonin and other neurotransmitters that keep you calm and mentally clear. Wild salmon also contains antioxidants that help your body neutralize inflammation from oxidative damage, a precursor to a host of inflammatory conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and depression.

Your take-home tip: Feast on foods rich in omega-3s, such as wild-caught salmon (frozen or canned). Check out our omega-3 seafood recipes at MyHealingKitchen.com. And if you don't fancy fish, be sure to take a good quality fish oil supplement every day. The supplement I take isn't a fish oil at all — instead, it's an omega-3-rich source that I find is better (and it doesn't involve killing fish).

3. Rocky Mountain high...on endorphins

Color Colorado active: It's no surprise that Colorado ranks as the sixth happiest state in the US. And it's no coincidence that it's also the nation's fittest state, with the lowest rate of obesity. In 2010, Fort Collins and Boulder held the top two spots as "the least obese cities in the America." (Colorado Springs and Denver also made it into the top 10). At least half of the residents of these cities exercise 30 minutes or more, three times per week. They also eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Cigarette smoking is also far lower than the national average. All of this translates into brighter moods and happier brainwaves.

Your take-home tip: Move your body and really enjoy it! Forget about "feeling the burn" and "no pain, no gain." A mere 60 minutes of daily physical activity — broken up into two or three short sessions, if necessary — can dramatically improve how well you metabolize glucose -- which is directly related to whether you burn or store extra calories.

Physical activity is also a proven mood-booster. Studies show that it's just as effective for most depression as the Prozac family of antidepressants. Yet, unlike antidepressants, exercise enhances your sex drive and helps you lose weight (instead of packing on extra pounds like antidepressants do).

Once you get bitten by the fitness bug you can take the next step. Perhaps it might be a beginner's yoga class … aqua aerobics, … "the Couch to 5K" program, … a Nia or Zumba dance class … a mellow bike ride or a vigorous spin class. You don't have to live in Denver to "go Bronco" on your activity level.

So back to you...

Where does your state measure up? Do you think you're an average state resident or an exception to the poll? Please share how your state's overall happiness and health influences you -- or how you influence those around you.