04/02/2024
Healthy Neighborhoods 🌺🏘
We know that where we live – where we eat, sleep, work, play, learn and pray – can have a huge effect on our health. But what makes a neighborhood healthy? Having safe places to live, without hazards or pollution. Having safe ways for everyone to be active, like sidewalks, and safe places to bike. Having easy access to fresh, affordable, nutritious and culturally appropriate food. When our neighborhoods are healthy, we have the building blocks for healthy lives.
How can you help improve your Neighborhoods health?
Plant trees. Green spaces have been shown to reduce your risk of death. They also help to protect from rising heat, reduce pollution and offer nice space for people to connect with each other. If you don’t have a yard to plant in, work with a local organization that plants trees in public spaces.
Get to know your neighbors. Social cohesion means you’re connected with the people who live near you. Feeling connected to each other is an investment in your community. It’s also great for kids to have adults who care about them.
Bring healthy, fresh food where people are. If there aren’t nearby stores where people can easily purchase healthy foods, open farmers markets and allow people to use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children benefits there. Or bring fresh fruits and vegetables directly to people, as one program in Baltimore is doing.
