New Study Establishes Baseline for Improving Angelenos' Health

"More than 100 health indicators -- such as obesity, coronary disease and asthma -- were studied within neighborhoods across Los Angeles and compiled into a health atlas [PDF], which includes a series of 115 maps," reports Susan Abram. "Results show that while economic disparities do affect health, so does land use."

"The goal of compiling the atlas, [former mayor Villaraigosa] noted, was to ensure that city officials would consider how future development impacts neighborhoods where bike lanes, walking paths and parks could be integrated with new housing developments and transportation hubs."

"With the health atlas included into the general plan, city departments will consider policies and programs through a health lens," said Ken Bernstein, principal city planner for the City of Los Angeles. "That is a groundbreaking step for a city as large as Los Angeles."