For this assignment, I took the time to observe the built environment in my neighborhood. In my area, I noted that we have some fast food restaurants. The neighborhood also has some parks. However, I realized that not many people make use of the parks. Moreover, within the park, there is no kids’ stuff. The area also has groceries and sidewalks where pedestrians can walk and cycle as well. Moreover, the neighborhood also has public transport system. Such elements help to make up the built environment in my neighborhood. All these aspects of built environment in my checklist impact the health of the people living in the area in one way or the other.
In the checklist above, the only element that makes healthy living less obtainable are the numerous fast food restaurants in the neighborhood. Typically, people believe that fast foods are convenient and save much time. However, these foods cause health problems to the locals. Studies reveal that fast foods are the main cause of obesity as well as cardiovascular diseases (Krieger, 594). In one study, fast foods are considered to contain a high amount of sodium and fats. Children who are obese are confirmed to be eating fast foods most of the time. Most of them eat fries and burgers. Another element of the built environment that makes healthy living less attainable in the neighborhood is the improved public transport system. Use of public transport system and personal cars leads to decreased levels of physical exercise in the vicinity.
In the above checklist, there are also elements of the built environment that make healthy living more obtainable. Some of these items include the parks and off-road walking, cycling trails and proximity to the groceries and restaurants. Availability of sidewalks encourages the locals to walk to and from work. It also encourages the locals to walk to and from the groceries. The proximity to the shops, restaurants and parks also encourage the locals to walk and cycle hence increasing the levels of physical activities in the neighborhood. Studies have revealed that regular physical activities help prevent diseases. Regular physical exercise helps the prevent diseases such as heart diseases, diabetes, obesity, hypertension as well as premature mortality. Despite the many advantages that come with physical exercise, most Americans are not adequately active (Krieger, 595).
Parks are also great in helping the locals obtain a healthy living in my neighborhood. Many Americans do not seem to understand the health benefits of parks. Exposure to nature helps improve social as well as psychological health. Neighborhoods with parks are less likely to have people suffering from depression when compared to those without parks. Play helps the development and growth process of children. Physical activities such as walking in the parks also contribute to improving fitness hence reducing diseases such as obesity and other cardiovascular diseases (Rube, 16).
Conclusion
Built environment may have either positive or negative health impact. In America today, there are many elements of built environment that impact health negatively. Some of such elements of built environment include transport system without sidewalks or cycling trails and pollution from industries and motor vehicle. However, some items such as sidewalks, biking trails, and parks encourage physical activities hence improving public health. Essentially, investing efforts in elements of built environment that promote physical activity as many Americans are not adequately active.
Works Cited
Krieger, James et al. "High Point Walking For Health: Creating Built And Social Environments That Support Walking In A Public Housing Community." American Journal Of Public Health 99.S3 (2009): 593-599.
Rube, Kate et al. "Developing Built Environment Programs In Local Health Departments: Lessons Learned From A Nationwide Mentoring Program." American Journal Of Public Health 104.5 (2014): 10-18.
