By: Michelle Garcia, Air Quality Director

Some say that reform is the secret to improving our health care system while others say it will not improve the health care system. This has been debated all summer long. What you may have not heard is how smart growth and healthy lifestyle choices can improve our health care system. 

A recent article “Reform may not improve health care” by Dr. John Telles in the Fresno Bee laid out the connection very clearly. The article cites simple and cost free things that can help reduce the burden to the health care system and on your wallet. 

Choosing active transportation options such as walking and biking not only improve respiratory health by reducing air pollution but also promote general health and well-being through increased physical activity. Healthy lifestyle choices are important for so many reasons and can best be supported by smart growth policies that make these choices inviting and convenient.

Senate Bill 375 (Steinberg 2008) is landmark legislation that aligns regional land use, transportation, housing and greenhouse gas reduction planning efforts. It requires the Air Resource Board to set greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for passenger vehicles and light trucks for 2020 and 2035. The targets are for the 18 Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO’s) in California. These MPO’s are responsible for preparing Sustainable Community Strategies and, if needed, Alternative Planning Strategies, that will include the regions strategy for meeting the established targets. Ambitious targets are believed to be the key to California’s fight against air pollution and chronic disease.

SB 375 will help champion smart growth with the planning of sustainable, mixed use communities around mass transit. Walking and cycling which will reduce greenhouse gases will also provide other harmful air pollutants and provide opportunities for improved health outcomes such as:

·         Reduced exposure to air pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter and toxic air contaminants

·         Increased walking and bicycling to everyday destination and therefore increased physical activity which can reduce obesity, diabetes, depression, and a range of other negative health outcomes

·         More equitable access to nutritious foods and health care services can help to reduce the prevalence of chronic illnesses

·         Reduced injury and death from traffic accidents and encouraged physical activities

For more information on the public health benefits of smart growth and how you can become involved to promote healthier, more livable communities, contact: Michelle Garcia, Air Quality Director at 559-224-4224 ext 119 or airquality@fmms.org

 

Save the Date!

October 29, 2009. 6p.m.-8p.m.

Asthma Update: Environmental Triggers & Management

This event will highlight new and local asthma and air quality data. Dr. John Balmes and Kathy Hammond will review exciting new data collected by the FACES study. Come learn how to differentiate and identify the environmental exposures that trigger exacerbations of asthma and learn updated treatment options for asthma.