A Background on Community Health
Where we live, work, play, and learn directly affects how much physical activity we get and how much healthy food we eat. A number of recent studies (Human Health and Safety: Portland Plan Background Report, 2009, Why Place Matters: Building a Movement for Health Communities, 2007, The Regional Equity Atlas: Metropolitan Portland's Geography of Opportunity, 2007), The Impact of the Built Environment on Community Health: The State of the Current Practice and Next Steps for a Growing Movement, 2007) have confirmed that geographic concentrations of communities, generally marked by poverty, lower educational attainment, and higher neighborhood demographics of color, have the highest risk for poor health outcomes that include higher concentrations of obesity, diabetes, chronic illness, cancer, asthma, and shorter life spans. To that end, public advocates and city planners have been working together to close the gap between the rich and poor leveling accessibility to community equities, such as parks and greenspaces, walking and biking networks, and access to healthy foods. Noelle Dobson, project director with Community Health Partnership: Oregon's Public Health Institute said that her organization targets low-income communities, one step at a time.
Recent trends affecting health include:
- Long hours of sitting in office jobs
- Increased elevator availability, which has reduced stair usage
- Decreased physical education in schools due to cutbacks
- Television and computer usage outpacing active outdoor activities for leisure time
- Less walking and biking due to easy access to modes of transportation such as automobiles and transit systems.
- Availability of fast food restaurants
- Convenience stores
- Vending machines with few healthy selections
- Higher consumption of unhealthy foods high in sugar, fat and calories
Some environmental factors including what is built and offered in the surrounding area affecting lifestyles choices and health include.
Positive
- Nearby parks and playgrounds
- Living wages
- Good health care delivery
- Social ties among neighbors
- Grocery stores selling nutritious foods
Negative
- Living near a freeway
- Auto dependency
- High crime rates
- Inadequate sidewalks in high foot-traffic areas
Obese youth with sedentary lifestyles and poor eating habits are more likely to be heavy as adults and suffer disproportionately from obesity and related chronic diseases such as diabetes and congestive heart failure (The Oregon Health Policy Commission Report, 2007).
CO2 emissions are highest and most concentrated along freeways. Many recent studies have shown direct links between living near a freeway and lung-related diseases, especially asthma. People of color, immigrants, the underprivileged, and low-wage earners have greater chances of living near freeways or busy roads.
The growing movement for healthier communities holds great promise. Engagement, leadership, and a commitment to change will improve communities and allow people to live healthier lives. According to Why Place Matters, developing strategies for healthier communities requires understanding both people and the places in which they live.
Lents is one of many communities receiving funding by a grant from the Active Living by Design program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. “The goals of these programs and projects are to encourage changes in design, transportation, and policies to cultivate and support active living, a way of life that integrates physical activity into daily routines” Dobson said.
For more information about health statistics for Oregonians visit: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/pan/docs/PAN_report-plan07.12.web.pdf
by, VKD Ink, LLC | Marketing and Communications Specialist
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