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Marin, Santa Clara Ranked Healthiest Counties In California

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – When it comes to healthy living the Bay Area is pretty hard to beat. Marin County has been ranked number one in a new study, with Santa Clara County coming in second healthiest in California.

The health study, conducted by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, of 3,000 communities nationwide found that where you live matters to your overall health.

"Certainly having access to fruits and vegetables, eating fruits and vegetables, being active, having an environment here where we can go out and bike ride, and kids can play safely is conducive to a healthy eating, active living environment," said Dr. Marty Fenstersheib, Chief Health Officer for Santa Clara County.

However, Fenstersheib said that just looking at the highlights can give a distorted picture.

KCBS' Mike Colgan Reports:

"As we all know, when you start digging down into the data there still are disparities in all of our communities. So we focus on those things, to make sure that the least wealthy or educated among us are also enjoying the possibilities of a healthy environment, active living and good nutrition," said Fenstersheib.

San Mateo and Santa Cruz Counties also made the top ten list. Find out where your County ranked.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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