Smart Growth Resource Library

Linking Smart Growth and Active Living and Health

This series of PowerPoint presentations were part of a Local Government Commission event examing the connections between community design and active living. Creating Vibrant Neighborhoods for Our Growing Latino Population was held May 2004 in Visalia, California.

An important measure of livability is how physically active and healthy people are. Walkable, bicycle-friendly communities provide opportunities for regular physical activity which is important in preventing chronic health problems and improving quality of life.

According to a report by the California Center for Public Health Advocacy, there has been a 67% increase in diabetes among California adults which is linked to a dramatic rise in obesity and overweight. This study also found that, in the San Joaquin Valley, Latinos are one of three ethnic groups with the highest diabetes-related deaths.

This forum provided an opportunity for local elected and appointed officials to learn about efforts to reverse these alarming trends by creating and designing healthier, active living communities in which residents are encouraged and supported in their efforts to walk, ride a bicycle and lead more active lifestyles.

The presentations are available at the resource link below.

Resource: http://www.lgc.org/events1/land_use/past/vibrant_neighbor04_visalia.html

E-mail to a Friend

View Printer-friendly page

Conservation: An Investment That Pays from Trust for Public Land is intended to help agency personnel and community conservationists make the case for conservation as a long-term economic investment. Find out more   Based on the National Building Museum's exhibit, Green Community is a collection of thought-provoking essays that illuminate the connections among personal health, community health, and our planet's health. Find out more

This web site is developed and maintained by the
National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT),
and supported with funding from the US EPA.
Disclaimer
Copyright © 1996-2010. All Rights Reserved.