Urban Living = Healthier Lifestyle?

Is Your House Making You Look Fat? Allison Arieff, the former Editor in Chief of Dwell magazine, and author of New York Times opinion blog “By Design,” posted “Is Your House Making You Look Fat?” Feb. 18. The post revolves around the idea of building community – as opposed to commuting - as well as national urban living trends and environmental issues.

“...Contrary to popular belief, the pace and proximity of urban living can actually contribute to more healthful lifestyles, while lower-density communities tend to have a higher incidence of cardiovascular and lung diseases, including asthma in children, as well as cancer, diabetes, obesity, traffic injuries and deaths; these are exacerbated by an increase in air pollution, gridlock and traffic accidents, and by a lack of physical activity. The study recommended that people seek out cities and towns with reliable public transportation systems, bicycle lanes and pedestrian paths, ones that have schools, businesses and stores within walking distance...”

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