Since I was 10 years old, I have developed a deep love and passion for the Hawaiian Islands. Fortunately for me, it wasn’t from watching the Brady Bunch episode about the tiki idol and Greg’s surfing accident.
When I was 10, my dad took our family to Hawaii. Even my grandmothers came along on this fun-filled adventure.
We were greeted on the tarmac by beautiful smiling Hawaiian hula dancers who placed fragrant flower leis around our necks. The Hawaiian air was filled with the smells of tuberose, pikake and plumeria.
My first visit was filled with hugs, kisses and kind words from the Hawaiians. I was treated like ohana (Hawaiian for family) the minute I stepped foot on their islands.
Forever I will remember the kindness of the Hawaiians’ gentle spirits and their joyous smiles.
Recently, the national Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index named Hawaii number one in well-being among the 50 states.
This poll reinforced the magic and healing of this paradise.
According to FoxNews, ʺHawaii's stellar placement was due to its scores on three well-being categories: life evaluation, emotional health and physical health.ʺ
TIME Magazine said, ʺHawaii is still the best U.S. state to live in, when it comes to your emotional and physical states.ʺ
Check out these other interesting health facts provided by the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism:
• Hawaii residents enjoy the longest average life expectancy in the nation
• The state ranks 50th in preventable deaths and those due to accidents
• It ranks 49th in deaths by cancer and heart disease
• It ranks 45th in per capita number of deaths due to strokes
• Hawaii ranks 10th in the number of physicians
• Hawaii ranks first in the number of dentists per 100,000 population
TIME also revealed ʺGallup’s well-being index took a look at approximately 177,000 random telephone interviews and assessed well-being across six areas:
life evaluation, emotional health, work environment, physical health, healthy behaviors, and access to basic necessities. And Hawaii has come out on top in the emotional and physical health categories which is enough to push the tiny state to the top of the overall list.ʺ
The cool trade winds, average temperature of 78 degrees, low humidity and possibly the best air quality in the nation make Hawaii a great place to live, vacation and work out.
Hawaii is home of the Ironman. Every morning, you see average citizens taking walks, jogging or riding their bikes along the roadways.
By mid-morning, the beaches are filled with paddle-boarders, surfers, snorkelers and boogie boarders. There is a plethora of outdoor activities here. You can even enjoy pickleball, yoga outdoors and a hula lesson.
Some people will save their entire lives to visit Hawaii. I have been fortunate enough to visit Hawaii seven times and gone back for more. I was married in Hawaii and have told many friends it is a great place to vacation, renew your vows or spend your honeymoon.
If you are thinking about a vacation, a place to retire or relocation, you may want to research Hawaii. The flight may be long but I can promise you, it is an experience of a lifetime.
References:
Hawaii, Wyoming Top List of Happiest States | Fox News. Fox News - Breaking News Updates | Latest News Headlines | Photos & News Videos. Retrieved March 26, 2012, from
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/03/07/hawaii-wyoming-tops-list-happiest-states
Quality of Life. Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Retrieved March 26, 2012, from http://hawaii.gov/dbedt/business/advantages/quality
Shocker: Well-Being Poll Shows It’s Great to Live in Hawaii | NewsFeed | TIME.com. NewsFeed | Breaking news and updates from Time.com. News pictures, video, Twitter trends. | TIME.com. Retrieved March 26, 2012, from http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/08/23/shocker-well-being-poll-shows-its-great-to-live-in-hawaii
Reviewed March 26, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith