In a country practically choked by fast food restaurants, big screen TVs and comfy couches, not many towns can boast being “healthy.” However, a recent panel of researchers from Women’s Health Magazine has named Raleigh the healthiest U.S . city for women.

Determination of rank was based on more than 30 different health categories, including the average amount of time spent exercising, frequency of medical checkups, and life expectancy rates.

Lilly Catis of Ladies Fitness and Wellness, the only full-service women’s health center in Raleigh, believes that the high ranking was rightly deserved.

“There’s a certain sense of urgency nowadays that makes women feel a great responsibility for their own bodies,” Catis said. “Raleigh is a place that fosters a sense of community, which makes it easier to seek help if someone should need it.”

A significant number of Catis’ clients are middle-aged and often come to her looking for ways to rebuild their bodies.

“Most come to us with concerns about lowering the risk of serious diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis and various types of cancer,” Catis said.

Women’s Health Magazine is not the only one to take notice of Raleigh’s success in research and disease prevention. Both the American Cancer Society and the Centers for Disease Control applaud the female population of Raleigh for the steps taken to catch diseases early and prevent them altogether.

Aliesha Hendrix, the American Cancer Society’s Community Manager, said Raleigh health professionals work to screen cancer early and often in women.

“Almost 90 percent have faultless screening scheduling,” Hendrix said. “Life expectancy is very high, and women are clearly preemptive in taking defensive measures.”

Raleigh scored high in all categories pertaining to inner health, but the study found that Raleigh’s female population is still behind in the areas of diet and exercise.

According to Danielle Souder , a sophomore in industrial design, Raleigh is taking steps towards a more active future. Souder rides her bike nearly everywhere she goes and finds that most stores, restaurants and other establishments are very accommodating.

“There are so many benefits that come from riding your bike,” Souder said. “In addition to getting to class quickly and being environmentally conscious, I am now fitting in a daily exercise routine, which is something I never thought I would have time for.”

Lilly Catis said changes are being made in the Triangle and can be seen on every corner.

“It’s so exciting to see the developments in the community,” Catis said. “Everything from a pedestrian friendly downtown area to more walking trails. However, the members of the fitness community don’t feel that it’s enough.”

N.C . State has gotten the ball rolling by adding new health proposals that include promoting both physical activity and eating right.

“Last year as a freshman,” Souder said, “I got really frustrated that whole grains and fresh fruit weren’t popular or even really an option in the dining halls.”

This year, she feels a little differently. Souder has noticed that all dining facilities on campus have made their menus more health conscious. She added that new and exciting programs at Carmichael Recreation Center have drawn she and her friends into a new realm of exercise.

“We really take advantage of the facility now, and it’s really important for women to have opportunities like we do in the Rec Center,” Souder said.

“I’m extremely proud we’ve been recognized for our efforts in becoming healthy,” Lilly Catis said. “I hope that we become a role model for the rest of the south, but Raleigh has a very long way to go before we are truly ‘healthy.'”