Introduction
Just
as conditions within our homes have important implications for our health,
conditions in the neighbourhoods surrounding our homes also can have major
health effects. There is a statement that social and economic features of
neighbourhoods have been linked with mortality, general health status,
disability, birth outcomes, chronic conditions, health behaviours and other
risk factors for chronic disease, as well as with mental health, injuries,
violence and other important health indicators.
How could neighbourhood affect health?
There are three major aspects including physical environment, social environment, and service environment.
- The physical
environment includes
the “built environment”—
the environment resulting
from structures built by
humans—as well as the
natural environment. Health can be
adversely affected by poor air and water quality or proximity to facilities that produce
or store hazardous substances;9 by substandard housing conditions exposing
residents to lead paint, mold, dust or pest infestation; by lack of access to nutritious
foods and safe places to exercise combined with concentrated exposure and ready
access to fast food outlets and liquor stores; and by adverse traffic conditions.
- The social environment
includes the quality of
relationships—such as
trust, connectedness and
cooperation—among
neighbourhood residents. Health can also be shaped by the social environments of neighbourhoods—that is, by
characteristics of the social relationships among their residents, including the
degree of mutual trust and feelings of connectedness among neighbours.
- The service
environment includes
neighbourhood resources
for education,
employment,
transportation, health
care, grocery shopping,
recreation and other
services directly or
indirectly tied to health. The availability of services and opportunities in neighborhoods is another general
pathway through which neighborhoods can influence health. Where we live is
highly correlated with the quality of schools, transportation and other municipal
services, health care services and employment opportunities to which we have
access. Health care can influence health in relatively direct ways. Education,
employment opportunities and other services influence health more indirectly, such
as by providing the means to achieve an adequate standard of living now and in the
future.
Neighbourhood improvement
There are eight ways to improve your neighbourhood relating to your neighbours as following;
1. Reach out
2. Get involved with your neighbours
3. Make a connection with your neighbours
4. Be considerate of others
5. Be generous
6. Draw neighbours together
7. Extend your church affiliation
8. Volunteer in your neighbourhood
Sources:
How could neighbourhood affect health?
There are three major aspects including physical environment, social environment, and service environment.
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