America's best health secrets

Better health is as easy as adopting these smart habits of folks across the U.S.

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Protect your heart like Minnesotans

Folks here have the lowest rates of serious heart problems than people in any other state. The fact that Minnesota is the "land of 10,000 lakes" could be why! A University of California study found viewing lakes, streams, oceans or a pool for 1 minute and 40 seconds lowers systolic blood pressure (the top number) by 10 points that's as good as an Rx! And when you make it a habit to enjoy waterscapes daily, you "train" your relaxation-inducing sympathetic nervous system to be calmer, keeping blood pressure low day in, day out. Soothing "blue spaces" slow heart rate and take pressure off arteries.

OR EAT GUACAMOLE! Another smart way to safeguard your heart: keeping your levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol in check. An Australian study suggests that regularly eating avocados lowers LDL by more than 9 points. Thanks goes to their rich supply of healthy fats, fiber and plant sterols.

Our nation's capital holds the key to sharper sight!

Washington, D.C., is known for historic monuments, but it also boasts the lowest rate of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), or blurriness in the center of your vision, in the U.S. One link? D.C. is where the highest percentage of the population drinks wine! Howard University Hospital scientists found that a moderate amount of red wine (about 5 oz. a day) lowers AMD risk 36%.