Green spaces, walking paths, little traffic: 7 features of a healthy neighborhood

Numerous yearly studies are published each year claiming that particular neighborhoods are the nation’s healthiest and fittest. Although the standards for these vary depending on the newspaper and brand, many individuals like perusing the reports to discover where their neighborhood is ranked.

Even though some people may not be familiar with these lists, the place we live has an effect on our health. For example, the sound of passing trains can keep you awake at night, while tree-lined walkways and nearby jogging trails make it convenient to work out or just take a leisurely stroll around the block. Researchers have examined the elements that contribute to a neighborhood’s (and consequently, its inhabitants’) health; these elements range from the presence of green spaces to traffic density.

When it comes to keeping residents content, active, and healthy, what matters most? This is what you ought to be searching for.

Plenty of green spaces

Parks, paths, and other grassy areas set aside for public enjoyment are examples of green spaces. Henry Louis Taylor, director of the University of Buffalo’s Center for Urban Studies, tells Yahoo Life that these are important for a number of reasons. According to him, “the most significant function of a green space is air purification and pollution mitigation.”

However, Taylor notes that a lack of greenery or a poor tree cover can increase the risk of noise and air pollution. He states, “That can raise stress levels.”

Dr. Adnan A. Hyder, professor and senior associate dean for research and innovation at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, tells Yahoo Life that green spaces also encourage physical activity, which is known to lower the risk of developing a host of serious health conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

High walkability

According to Hyder, being able to walk around your neighborhood might have a significant effect on your health. According to him, heart disease and other noncommunicable diseases are among the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. “And not exercising is one of the main risk factors for them.”

According to Hyder, anything that motivates people to exercise is beneficial. “Walking is fundamental to that,” he continues, pointing out that people are more likely to use well-lit walking paths because they feel safe using them. According to Hyder, “We have found that cities that design walkability into their infrastructure and encourage walkability do much better in terms of health.” “One of the main recommendations for cities worldwide is to encourage walking in urban areas, according to the World Health Organization.”

Minimal traffic

When it comes to traffic, safety and pollution are the two main considerations to take into account. According to Taylor, “one of the main complaints we receive in inner-city communities is cars speeding through neighborhoods.” “People may be struck or hurt, and parents may worry about their children if they are playing outside and get too near to the street.”

As Hyder notes, more traffic also translates into increased air pollution in a community. Car exhaust emissions are “one of the key elements of air pollution,” he claims. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), traffic can also contribute to noise pollution, which increases the risk of high blood pressure, hearing loss, and problems sleeping.

Clean air

Numerous grave medical diseases, including as cancer and cardiovascular disease, have been related to air pollution. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that breathing can become more difficult for those who have asthma and other respiratory disorders due to air pollution. Even deaths from heart disease and heart attacks have been connected to particle pollution.

The Air Quality Index, or AQI, is a color-coded system used by neighborhoods to monitor air quality. It informs locals of their risk of developing health problems as a result of the air quality.

Low crime rates

There is no denying that crime has an effect on safety and health. However, there is a significant link between crime fear and health. According to Taylor, “it causes people to stay indoors as opposed to outdoors.” “People won’t be able to walk, jog, or move around the neighborhood because of crime.”

Stressful crime rates can affect the local population. According to Taylor, “even the smallest noise wakes them up out of fear of a home invasion and it intensifies feelings of stress.” “Toxic stress is the result, and it poses a serious threat to health.”

Good access to education

Health depends on free, high-quality education, according to Taylor. According to him, “having reading skills increases your likelihood of reading nutrition labels and identifying healthy and unhealthy foods.” According to Taylor, it’s also essential to go to doctor’s appointments with a basic understanding of health. He says, “It puts you in danger when you don’t understand what the doctor is saying to you.”

According to Taylor, those with little education are also less competitive in the employment market. That implies that you’ll work in a field that pays poor wages and have little money to spend on nice housing or nutritious food, which is bad for your health, he claims.

Quality health care

According to Hyder, this element is “fundamental” to a neighborhood’s well-being. “Access to health care is severely affected” when a hospital closes, he claims. That may reduce the likelihood that someone will seek medical attention when necessary and decrease the likelihood that they will receive assistance in an emergency promptly. Accessible medical facilities are also essential for preventative treatment and general health care. According to Hyder, “the balance of health care resources is really important.” “That has clear implications for the health of the neighborhood.”

In general, experts emphasize the significance of a neighborhood’s characteristics for its citizens’ health. According to Taylor, “you cannot improve health without transforming neighborhoods.” “You will not succeed even if you try.”