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you can brag about to have a healthy home and a healthy lifestyle, but how good you are at your neighborhood?

you can find out, thanks to the health of the 2012 ranking county, the annual settlement of this country the healthiest (and unhealthiest places) to live as compiled by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The survey evaluates 3,000 US counties on health behaviors such as exercise and smoking rates, clinical care, social and economic factors, physical environment (such as the availability of sidewalks and bike paths) and the number of fast-food restaurants. In the ranking of this year, the researchers also calculated the premature death trends over 10 years.

GALLERY: Healthiest States US Ranks. Where do you live? For example, the birth rate among teenage girls and sexually transmitted infections were higher in the southern states, while residents in the northern states have shown higher levels of alcohol abuse.

What is the key to a healthy county? People who have lived longer and with a better quality of life tend to live in areas with less smoking, more physically active residents, births to teenage lower and better access to primary care physicians. Interestingly, healthy and unhealthy counties do not differ significantly on obesity rates or access to healthy food choices.

Read the health of your county, see the interactive rankings Countyhealthrankings.org.

Alice Park is a writer at TIME. Find her on Twitter at @aliceparkny. You can also continue the discussion on TIME's Facebook page and on Twitter at @TIME.

years when I was a broke student remaining on ramen noodles and off-brand cereal, I used to fantasize that one day when I had a good job, I would be able to afford to eat healthy incredibly. I intended to buy vegetables every week, belong to a fabulous gym, use a personal trainer and get regular massages.

But today, I still get sticker shock when I go to the grocery store. That is why I am so skeptical when a study by the USDA published a few months ago claimed that healthy foods are actually cheaper than the highly processed substance. These results are based on the fact that the old method prioritized price per calorie, junk food giving low cost advantage over vegetables. But, the report says, "When measured on the basis of edible weight or average portion size, grains, vegetables, fruits and dairy products are less expensive than most protein foods and foods high in saturated fat, added sugar, and / or sodium. "Translation: now there's really no excuse for not eating healthier

( PLUS : Why do families who eat together are healthier).

However, it is one thing to understand as cereals and legumes are a source of protein that the cheapest range chicken; it is quite another to try to get my meat loving husband for rice and beans for dinner every night. Similarly, gym memberships and personal trainers can be a big monthly expense, but they might be worth it if the only thing you would do at home with your treadmill or dumbbells sometimes wipe the dust off of them

formatting. - and stay that way - can save you some serious money in the long-term lifestyle changes can. help ward off diabetes, as well as joint replacement and other major medical expenses. Thus, with these motivating factors in mind, here are some tips to help you reduce the money you spend on the road to be active and healthy :.

Prioritize your monthly budget Sit and write a budget that reflects the fixed and discretionary spending is an important step for anyone wanting to be in control of their finances. Yet it can be difficult to decide which are appropriate discretionary spending - especially if there is not much left after paying bills. It should be a conscious process. You need to understand what is most important to you and then make some compromises

For example, my friend Tracy hired a personal trainer, who tended his budget. She dropped the service, but it has become de-motivated to exercise on itself. I suggested him to continue working with the trainer while reducing outdoor dining and also wait to shop until after she fell to her waist pants desired - the two that helped her to motivate weight loss goal. If you can not have everything at once, invest in what makes you feel better.

( SPECIAL : Tips for a Summer Fitter) eat

Plan ahead and . My mother worked outside the house when I was growing up and always expected the value of a week of meals that we can do all the grocery shopping at once. We also do it in my house now, and this kind not only saves me time planning, as well as discounts on us discard the unused food. Looking ahead, it is easier to budget more expensive selections as fresh fish or the more expensive cuts of meat, and also makes it less tempting to eat outside, which can come with a high price tag -. And the number of calories

Comparison shop. If you like working in a gym but want to save money, shop around. If gym memberships in your area are too expensive, to explore options in your workplace, local schools or community centers, which often offer free or low cost activities. Browse the internet to see if there is group sports such as hiking, cycling or running you can join for free or at a nominal cost.

And if you think you use, consider training or strength yoga DVD at home.

( PLUS : Trans Fat Ban NYC worked: Diners Fast Food eat healthier)

So remember: if you are struggling to lose weight and stay motivated the beach season to season the beach, it does not have to be expensive to make healthy choices, as long as you're willing to put in some time and effort. Giving priority, plan ahead and make smart choices, you can maintain your physical and financial well-being.

De Baca is vice president of wealth strategies at Ameriprise Financial.

previous research has shown that diet rich in saturated fats and trans fats is a no-no for maintaining a healthy heart. Now a new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) goes further, finding these "bad" fats are associated with poor cognitive function and memory in women over time. Otherwise, "good" fats - monounsaturated fats such as in avocados and olive oil - are linked to a better understanding

Researchers analyzed approximately 6,000 women over 65 years in the study of women's health - a cohort of nearly 40,000 women over 45. The selected women participated in three cognitive-function tests which were spaced every two years over a four-year term.

( PLUS healthy foods that are not, Nutritionists Weigh)

The women completed detailed questionnaires about their diet and consumption frequency in early 'study. women who consumed the highest amounts of saturated fats - found in foods like butter and red meat -. not as good overall results on tests cognitive-function during the four-year period women who consumed the most monounsaturated fats had better cognition and memory in the same period of time

. ( pLUS what's the Healthiest Breakfast is what say experts)

"previous literature shows that there are significant relationship between fats and heart health," says Okereke. "Heart health is also associated with brain aging, so we wanted to see how this relationship and these fats influence cognitive function "Okereke speculates different fats can alter the levels of inflammation in the body. the influence of fats on overall cardiovascular health can mean differences in cognitive aging.

"People will want to think about the substitution of saturated fat for monounsaturated foods," Okereke said. "Making that substitution may be a way to prevent cognitive decline in the elderly."

( PLUS : Does raw meat You Out There can be genetic)

Consider some of these foods rich in monounsaturated fatty acids such as healthier alternatives

• olive oil
• Lawyers
• nuts
• Seeds

While you're at it, avoid the consumption of these foods rich in saturated fats:

• butter
• red meat
• packaged foods including cookies, crackers and chips

"[C] hoose foods low or no fat dairy such as milk and yogurt fat free. Stick with skinless poultry and fish. Limit red and processed meats such as beef, pork, lamb, hot dogs or bologna a few times a month. Experiment with meatless meals such that vegetarian burgers, black-eggplant lasagna spinach or beans, corn and avocado tacos "

( PLUS Should we all be vegetarians).

researchers say poor diet and lack of exercise are not the only culprits of obesity. BPA can share some of the blame.

In the latest study on bisphenol plastic additive A, or BPA, scientists have found that children harboring higher levels of endocrine disrupting chemical in their bodies were more likely to be obese compared to youth with low levels of BPA.

The report, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association The question of the theme of "obesity, was led by Dr. Leonardo Trasande, associate professor of pediatrics and medicine environmental at New York University School of Medicine. 2008. Approximately 34% of children were overweight and 18% were obese.

( PLUS BPA exposure in pregnant women can affect girls' behavior)

Those in the highest quartile of exposure to BPA also had the highest rate of obesity at 22.3%, while those with the lowest levels of the chemical in their urine were the least likely to be obese at 10%. For more than a doubling of the risk of obesity among people with BPA exposure is greater.

"It is a very strong association, surprisingly strong," said Trasande, "and it cuts across all socio-economic strata. Poor diet and lack of physical activity are the main contributors to childhood obesity in the United States, but this study shows that we need to consider environmental factors such third major contributing factor to the epidemic. "

BPA is ubiquitous in our environment, mainly found in plastics used in food packaging and aluminum can linings and is also found in dental fillings and sealants and coatings received heat used in shops. a government study found that 93% of more than 6 years Americans have some detectable amount of BPA in their urine, according to a comprehensive 2007 study in preschoolers in North Carolina and Ohio, about 99% of children's exposure to BPA comes from food. That's why concerns over BPA leaching plastics in baby bottles and sippy cups led the Food and Drug Administration to ban the product chemical these products earlier this year. the agency stopped to eliminate BPA from cans and other food packaging, however, citing the lack of definitive evidence of its health harms. (In 2010, Canada not only banned BPA in baby bottles, but also took the further step of declaring toxic chemicals to human health, which are resting easier to remove the chemical from other food contact products)

( MORE:. mom of exposure to air pollution may boost the risk of obesity Kids)

Trasande said the current findings call question this decision because it establishes a potential metabolic link between exposure to chemicals and obesity, which can lead to a host of chronic diseases, heart disease, diabetes and asthma. But while the study establishes a link between the two, it does not specify in which direction the relationship work. It is possible, for example, that instead of BPA exposure contributing to obesity, it may be that obese children are simply consume more foods rich in BPA, like sodas, canned or microwaveable products. But Trasande said that this scenario is less likely, since he and his colleagues saw the strong correlation between BPA and obesity among children who consumed more than the average number of calories each day or less. The connection also remained strong after the researchers adjusted for the amount of young people watching television.

The other explanation is that exposure to the chemical, which has been shown to disrupt hormone levels, interferes somehow still developing the capacity of the young body to compensate for the calories come with those that are burned, which leads to an imbalance that promotes weight gain. [In addition to the risk of obesity] we know at least one study in which BPA is associated with effects on brain development. And BPA may also affect the development of a child's lung "

( MORE: If parents lose custody of their extremely obese children)

Interestingly. the association between BPA and obesity is highest among whites than in other racial or ethnic group. Since the NHANES data revealed no significant difference in how participants ate, the researchers think there may be some difference in the genetic makes Caucasian populations more vulnerable to chemicals

Although BPA has a half-life of around 4 to 43 hours. - which means that half of any amount ingested is eliminated from the body within that time - recent studies are showing that if the chemical is pulled in adipose tissue, it can not be removed as quickly people who fasted longer. that this time continue to harbor high levels of BPA.

Taken together, the evidence suggests that BPA exposure may be an important factor to obesity in children, and potentially put them at higher risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes, problems heart and liver failure. adults among studies have linked higher urinary concentrations of BPA with these conditions. "This study suggests that we need to reconsider the recent choice not to ban BPA in cans," said Trasande, especially that there are alternatives to safer boxes.

PLUS obesity in children: Three Lifestyle Changes that helps

Alice Park is a writer at TIME Find her on Twitter at @aliceparkny you can continue.. the discussion on TIME's Facebook page and on Twitter at @TIME.

Even for seniors who are not -savvy technology, simple digital tools and occasional telephone support can significantly improve weight management success -. and at a fraction of the cost of intensive consultations one-on-one

This is what the latest research on the subject published in the newspaper Archives of Internal Medicine shows. of mOVE s'! Regular health education class. More than three months to a year, people in the technology group lost 7 pounds more, on average, that people just attending classes - even if almost everyone in the study was illiterate computer when the program begin.

But the secret of success of the new technology, researchers say, are relatively low-tech and well-established principles to make the management of the practice weight and ensure that people feel responsible for their choices .

"As behavior change specialists, we know very sad truth: knowledge is rarely enough to change behavior," said Bonnie Spring, lead author of the new study and a professor of preventive medicine and Director of Behavior Center and health at Northwestern medicine.

"what [usually] takes to treat obesity is a lot of intensive counseling in person" Spring said. But it is not easy to provide in the current health system. "Physicians are encouraged to be responsible for managing their weight patients," she said, "but they do not really have the time or expertise." That's why she and her colleagues sought a technology-based "work-around". something that would be inexpensive and would not require a major commitment of time users, but would still provide personalized attention and frequent feedback that makes expert advice so effective

In the study, each volunteer was encouraged to attend MOVE every two weeks! classes, who teaches nutrition, setting realistic objectives and strategies to overcome bad habits. In addition, however, members of the Technology group also received mobile personal digital assistants (PDAs) to help them track the number of calories they eat and how much exercise they received. When updated, these devices would inform users about the calorie intake so far that day, and especially transmit data to a health coach. Then the coach, a person trained in counseling, but without specialized medical training, would check with each user by phone for 10 or 15 minutes, once every two weeks to discuss the progress of the participant. At each point, participants interacted with their coach, their weight was measured and each weighing in three months, six months and one year in the study - people who use the devices had shed more pounds than people who only attend classes.

"The two most effective elements of weight management are encouraging [people] to self-monitoring, and provide social support," says Spring.

She believes the mobile app action works because it simplifies the tracking calories and because participants know that someone, namely their health coach will notice their efforts and support them when they are struggling. "I think it is a support mixture being held responsible, "said Spring. "We all need that. We need a parental figure, helping us to stay on track. "

This personal connection defines the intervention of spring apart many weight loss tools in previous base Tech, which were less effective. In an editorial published with the new study Archives Dr. Goutham Rao of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and Dr. Katherine Kirley of note NorthShore University health system that most weight loss programs currently fall into one of two categories: "simple and easy to implement, but ineffective or intense and effective but impractical or expensive to implement. "Mobile technology, they say, represents an opportunity for programs that are both effective and cheap. Counseling replacement in person with feedback by phone or wireless device, for example could potentially save hundreds of dollars specialized costs, while saving time patients significantly Travel (and the costs of babysitter or loss of pay) at the same time.

Spring said she is now working on loss interventions weight that would not cost more than $ 500, since that's more or less what the insurance companies are willing to spend on weight loss programs for health prevention. in comparison, bariatric surgery for loss of weight can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and treatment of cardiovascular disease, a consequence of the health of obesity can cost tens or hundreds of thousands as well.

Spring said that new interventions, she studied will be similar to those tested in the Archive study that combine education with e-health, digital tools to help users monitor and record their own behavior, and phone support for a live person to provide a personal touch - and social pressure -. to help people stay on track

Even for seniors who are not -savvy technology, simple digital tools and occasional telephone support can significantly improve weight management success -. and at a fraction of the cost of intensive consultations one-on-one

This is what the latest research on the subject published in the newspaper Archives of Internal Medicine shows. of mOVE s'! Regular health education class. More than three months to a year, people in the technology group lost 7 pounds more, on average, that people just attending classes - even if almost everyone in the study was illiterate computer when the program begin.

But the secret of success of the new technology, researchers say, are relatively low-tech and well-established principles to make the management of the practice weight and ensure that people feel responsible for their choices .

"As behavior change specialists, we know very sad truth: knowledge is rarely enough to change behavior," said Bonnie Spring, lead author of the new study and a professor of preventive medicine and Director of Behavior Center and health at Northwestern medicine.

"what [usually] takes to treat obesity is a lot of intensive counseling in person" Spring said. But it is not easy to provide in the current health system. "Physicians are encouraged to be responsible for managing their weight patients," she said, "but they do not really have the time or expertise." That's why she and her colleagues sought a technology-based "work-around". something that would be inexpensive and would not require a major commitment of time users, but would still provide personalized attention and frequent feedback that makes expert advice so effective

In the study, each volunteer was encouraged to attend MOVE every two weeks! classes, who teaches nutrition, setting realistic objectives and strategies to overcome bad habits. In addition, however, members of the Technology group also received mobile personal digital assistants (PDAs) to help them track the number of calories they eat and how much exercise they received. When updated, these devices would inform users about the calorie intake so far that day, and especially transmit data to a health coach. Then the coach, a person trained in counseling, but without specialized medical training, would check with each user by phone for 10 or 15 minutes, once every two weeks to discuss the progress of the participant. At each point, participants interacted with their coach, their weight was measured and each weighing in three months, six months and one year in the study - people who use the devices had shed more pounds than people who only attend classes.

"The two most effective elements of weight management are encouraging [people] to self-monitoring, and provide social support," says Spring.

She believes the mobile app action works because it simplifies the tracking calories and because participants know that someone, namely their health coach will notice their efforts and support them when they are struggling. "I think it is a support mixture being held responsible, "said Spring. "We all need that. We need a parental figure, helping us to stay on track. "

This personal connection defines the intervention of spring apart many weight loss tools in previous base Tech, which were less effective. In an editorial published with the new study Archives Dr. Goutham Rao of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and Dr. Katherine Kirley of note NorthShore University health system that most weight loss programs currently fall into one of two categories: "simple and easy to implement, but ineffective or intense and effective but impractical or expensive to implement. "Mobile technology, they say, represents an opportunity for programs that are both effective and cheap. Counseling replacement in person with feedback by phone or wireless device, for example could potentially save hundreds of dollars specialized costs, while saving time patients significantly Travel (and the costs of babysitter or loss of pay) at the same time.

Spring said she is now working on loss interventions weight that would not cost more than $ 500, since that's more or less what the insurance companies are willing to spend on weight loss programs for health prevention. in comparison, bariatric surgery for loss of weight can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and treatment of cardiovascular disease, a consequence of the health of obesity can cost tens or hundreds of thousands as well.

Spring said that new interventions, she studied will be similar to those tested in the Archive study that combine education with e-health, digital tools to help users monitor and record their own behavior, and phone support for a live person to provide a personal touch - and social pressure -. to help people stay on track

last research shows that almost everyone needs to hold the salt.

There is a critical flavor enhancer in many foods, and in centuries past, it was necessary for the preservation of perishable foods before the advent refrigerators. But salt, alas, is one of many factors that undermine the American health. The American Heart Association (AHA) links too much salt in the diet at a higher risk of heart disease, hypertension and stroke, according to a study presented this week to 2013 Scientific Sessions of the AHA, the excess salt leads to almost 2.3 million heart related deaths worldwide in 2010.

the researchers analyzed 247 surveys of adults participating in the global burden of Disease survey, a study of collaboration between researchers from 50 different countries in 2010. participants reported their sodium intake from 1990 to 2010 in food questionnaires. Overall, adults from around the world ate an average of 4,000 mg of sodium per day, prepared or table salt foods, soy sauce or salt sprinkled in extra meals during cooking. That's twice the amount recommended by the World Health Organization (2000 mg daily) and nearly three times the amount the AHA says is healthy (1500 mg daily).

( PLUS Top 10 salt sources in your diet)

Of the 187 countries represented in the survey, 181, which houses 99% of the world population, exceeded the World salt limit of the health Organization; only Kenya acceded to the recommendation of the AHA.

To emphasize the contribution that high consumption of sodium can have on health, the researchers then conducted a meta-analysis of 107 studies that measured the relationship between participants of salt intake and blood pressure and heart disease risk.

Among people who die of heart attacks, strokes or other heart problems, 40% were premature and occurred in people 69 and under. Excessive salt consumption - defined as anything above 1,000 mg per day - is linked to 84% of deaths, and the majority occurred in low- and middle-income

Of the 30 largest countries in the world, the United States ranks 19th, with 429 deaths per million adults due to excessive consumption of salt.

The Salt Institute has criticized the study, noting that the added heart disease risk was compared to an abnormally low level of salt consumption that no country in the world met. "This latest study AHA statistics on mortality in the world of dietary salt is misleading and completely devoid of authentic evidence," said Morton Satin, vice president of science and research for the Salt Institute, in a statement. "Using a very imperfect statistical model, the researchers simply projected potential reductions in mortality regardless of any known risks to health from the low salt intake."

( PLUS Are we training Babies Crave Salt?)

However, adults are not the only ones at risk. In other research presented at the AHA meeting, scientists have reported that children are already eating too much salt as well. The high sodium content in prepackaged meals and snacks for children pushes them to eat unhealthy amounts. About 75% of pre-packaged meals are high in sodium, according to data that analyzed the salt content in 1115 products for babies and toddlers.

In the analysis, researchers defined "high in sodium" as containing more than 210 mg per serving, and they found that some baby food contained up to 630 mg of sodium per serving. "Our concern is the risk to the possible long-term health of the introduction of high levels of sodium in the diet of a child, because high blood pressure, as well as a preference for salty foods, can develop early in life. the less sodium in the diet of the infant or young child, the less he or she may want when older, "said lead author Joyce Maalouf, a researcher at the National Centre for disease prevention chronic and health Promotion at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta, in a statement

( MORE:. to Salt or not Salt Study questions benefits of dietary sodium reduction? )

And the AHA said it is good to remember that the salt does not come into the shaker on the table. And when cooking, keep the salt to a minimum and try to replace with other flavors, such as the acidity of the lemon juice, to trick your taste buds into thinking they are getting the salt.