The United Health Foundation, which just happens to be sited in MN,
has again named MN the healthiest state in the nation. The following
article in the Washington Post describes some of the factors that
contribute to this result:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A32631-2004Nov7.html

but climate isn't cited as one of them. I've always had the feeling,
though, that people who live in northern climes are apt to be
healthier than those living in warmer zones. I'd not be at all
surprised if the population of Scandinavia ranks higher in good health
than the inhabitants of the Mediterranean countries. Would I be right?
Is there something about cool climates that fosters better health
other than the fact that germs thrive better in higher temperatures?