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Healthy cities are a process, not an outcome. This is how WHO defines cities that seek this status. Which means that it is achievable for any city, so long as they are working toward this desired outcome.
Other points that WHO lists in their criteria for what makes for a healthy city include:
- a city that creates an environment that enables people to support each other in all life functions
- a city that has a commitment to the physical health of its citizens and provides structure to achieve it
Looking at these markers, there are many ways cities can work toward becoming a healthy city. Unique ideas include a plan by Copenhagen’s city officials to offer 100,000 of their citizens access to meditation and yoga classes.
One could also argue that any method of promoting medical advances and knowledge is a key aspect. A method Washington DC uses by being host to a yearly interventional cardiology conference.
What remains clear, no matter the method, striving for health for our citizens is a worthy goal. Here are methods that can be used to keep us progressing in the realm of improving the health and physical wellbeing of our citizenry.
Data collection of health benchmarks
Collecting data is essential for the analysis of challenges that citizens face. Knowing the risk factors that are particular to a certain area provides city officials with a starting point. From there, government can develop strategy to target and rectify challenges in the system that lead to public health dangers.
There are various means of collecting public health data and establishing benchmarks. On a city-wide level, primary data can be collected from first hand interviews, observations, and surveys. Secondary data can be collected by other organizations for a non-health-related purpose. But which can provide insight into health concerns.
Design with an eye toward an active population
Creating walkable cities has benefits that go beyond boosting health. But the health benefits to creating safe sidewalks are not to be sidelined.
The result of neighborhoods that have well-maintained sidewalks? People feel safe to walk to the store versus hopping into a car. The physical health benefits of an increased amount of physical activity include the following:
- weight control
- prevention of various health conditions
- lowering risk factors of disease
- boost in energy levels
- better sleep
The mental and emotional benefits include feeling happier and less prone to depression. In a 2017 round up of the happiest cities in the US, Boulder CO was listed as the winner. One of the reasons stated was that citizens felt active and productive. And per capita, more commuters walk to work in the city of Boulder than in any other US city.
Effective public health awareness campaigns
Creating a structure that promotes and supports health in the city includes effective health messages.
In order to create an effective health campaign, cities must first do their research regarding their target audience. Messages should be tailored to the audience. And communication sent through relevant channels.
Cities can look for partners with local businesses who can help to deliver their message. This keeps the channels different and can help inject a different approach that will be tailored to specific audiences.
Other partners that could help as a channel for distributing a health campaign include:
- libraries
- schools
- local community centers
- hospitals
- health clubs
Provide support where the need is greatest
It is often said that the greatness of a nation can be measured by how they treat their weakest members. At a city-wide level, how does our city fare in taking care of senior citizens and those with disabilities? What about the homeless population? Or children from socially disadvantaged families?
While there are national and state-wide efforts in place that help provide some support for those in need, such efforts need not stop there.
Cities can take initiative to create a local effort to campaign for those sectors who are at risk. Initiatives and support groups can be targeted to help those with specific needs in our area. Providing and connecting them with resources that are within our power to offer.
Additionally, citizens should be encouraged to lend a hand to help out with supporting such initiatives. Creating avenues for people to volunteer can help an atmosphere of collaboration to grow. Volunteering has been linked to greater physical and mental health. Which adds another layer of benefits to creating avenues for volunteering on the local level.
