New research establishes a clear link between children's physical environment and their health.
A study commissioned by Canada's federal housing agency, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, reveals that children's behaviour can be influenced by a number of physical features in their homes and neighbourhoods. Factors that researchers examined include the presence of exposed wiring, cracks, clutter and water damage as well as whether there is designated play space located nearby and whether the neighbourhood is safe. The study recommends that most amenities used by children be located within walking distance, stating that children should be driven to school only in extreme circumstances. It also lends support to the development of compact, mixed-use communities and the use of various traffic-calming techniques.
Thanks to Geoffrey Singer
FULL STORY: What kids need in a community
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
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New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
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City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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