The way your community is designed affects your health. For instance, the way in which houses, parks, streets and sidewalks are built impact on your level of physical activity, the quality of the air you breathe, the cleanliness of the water you drink, your safety and your overall sense of wellbeing.
Consider your neighbourhood. Does it have a park close by where your kids can play? Are there sidewalks or bike lanes that make it safe to walk or cycle? Is there a grocery store nearby where you can buy nutritious food?
Residential areas located far away from workplaces, shops, services and schools mean that people have to drive to do their daily business. More vehicles on the road result in increased emissions that contribute to air pollution. And the more time spent driving means less time to be involved in family, recreation or community activities.
Community design can also affect how connected you feel to your neighbourhood. Communities that have places for people to meet and socialize and that are clean and safe generally make people feel good about living there. Knowing your neighbours and being involved in community activities can increase your sense of overall wellbeing.
Communities that are well designed are good for your health.
