The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #74096

Don Chen, Executive Director, Smart Growth America, 1200 18th Street, NW, Ste. 801, Washington, DC 20036, 202-207-3356, dchen@transact.org

Mounting evidence links urban form and routine physical activity (e.g. walking to a destination) with obesity and chronic disease. However, according to a recent Washington Post front-page article, policy responses to the rising obesity epidemic have thus far only targeted nutrition, recreation and exercise programs, and sedentary behaviors like television and computer usage. Few elected officials have sought to transform their communities to make it more convenient and appealing for people to walk and cycle to their everyday destinations. Fewer still have opposed sprawling development patterns because of their contribution to automobile-dependent and sedentary lifestyles. This presentation will review the policy making and leadership actions taken to address the health impacts of sprawl across the nation. It will identify some of the most promising political opportunities for linking these issues, and will offer recommendations about how to generate greater political will and leadership to support smart growth reforms.

Learning Objectives:

(
• Provide the audience with information about policy responses to the health impacts of sprawl; (
• Identify several of the most promising political opportunities for getting health into regional and community land use and growth debates; (
• Offer ideas for how to generate political will to align the goals of smarter growth and public health.

Keywords: Urban Health, Planning

Related Web page: www.smartgrowthamerica.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Executive Director, Smart Growth America