Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Smart growth is healthy growth

Good planning is good public health policy. Why do I say this? As a pediatrician, I see first-hand the negative health impacts of sprawl development on our children, whose asthma is worsened by air pollution caused by too much driving. Medical professionals have known that cities designed primarily around driving are responsible for traffic pollution and congestion; contribute to climate change; and limit opportunities for healthy, active lifestyles. Now the Southern California Association of Governments is considering the future of growth in our region, in the context of its "Sustainable Communities Strategy." I urge local and regional leaders to get involved in this process and actively promote good planning for our region that allows us to grow in smarter and healthier wayshttp://www.sbsun.com/pointofview/ci_19775754

Article courtesy of Smart Growth Online from The Sun San Bernardino posted by Dr. Sunil Saini