The way in which our neighborhoods and communities are designed can either promote healthy behaviors, or pose challenges for those seeking a healthy lifestyle. Accessibility plays a big role-from influencing active living lifestyles to allowing individuals to seek preventive healthcare. Research has shown that neighborhoods offering biking, walking, or public transportation options promote increased physical activity levels among residents compared to neighborhoods that do not offer such options. Increased physical activity can reduce one's likelihood of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and a variety of other chronic diseases.
The materials we use in creating our communities can also impact our health. Green building materials and techniques can reduce our exposure to toxic chemicals and provide more favorable living conditions, which can have significant health benefits, such as reducing the number and severity of asthma attacks.
In an effort to increase awareness of the various ways in which our built environment is related to public health outcomes, SOPHE has dedicated the third quarter of the "Finding the Key: Healthier Homes & Communities" Campaign to focus on this cross-cutting issue.
U.S.EPA's Smart Growth Program
American Planning Association's Healthy Communities through Collaboration Program