28-30 Apr 2024
Radisson Blu Hotel,
Glasgow,
|
08-08 May 2024
Hotel Melià ,
Milano ,
Italy
|
10-12 May 2024
China Import & Export Fair Complex,
Guangzhou,
China
|
13-16 May 2024
Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia ,
Italy
|
14 May 2024
JPMorgan Chase Headquarters,
New York City,
United States
|
18-22 May 2024
The Ravenala Attitude Hotel,
Mauritius
|
23-24 May 2024
Large Hall of the Chamber of Commerce (Erbprinzenpalais),
Wiesbaden,
Germany
|
30-30 May 2024
Four Seasons Hotel George V,
Paris,
France
|
|
|
|
Green dream? Suburban living linked to obesity epidemic in US study |
|
By Jak Phillips 22 Aug 2014 |
The researchers say health should become a bigger consideration of urban design Credit: zstock / Shutterstock.com
|
Despite its long-held connotations with health and wellbeing, leafy suburban living could in fact be a contributing factor in obesity, diabetes and heart disease, according to two American academics.
Assistant professors of engineering Norman Garrick (University of Connecticut) and Wesley Marshall (Colorado University) have been analysing how US street networks could be influencing health.
In a study published in the Journal of Transport and Health, Garrick and Marshall state that densely-packed cities with lots of crossroads (think the classic Manhattan grid) have lower levels of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. By contrast, they find that indicators of ill-health are higher in sparse suburban areas with lots of cul-de-sacs – reporting that those living in these spread out communities spend around 18 per cent more time driving than people who live in dense grids.
Transportation seems to be a key factor. The pair also report that wide, multi-lane streets are more likely to lead to higher levels of obesity and diabetes, with the theory posited that the less-pedestrian friendly an area, the lower the rates of physical activity. Whereas people who live in cities often have no choice but to walk and cycle as a means of beating congested streets, suburbanites seem more inclined to take the car to cover the longer distances they have to travel, taking advantage of the comparatively quieter roads.
“It might not be common for people to explicitly contemplate health when selecting a place to live,” Garrick and Marshall write, “but this research indicates it is worth considering.”
The pair say it’s now time for city planners to shake-off archaic notions of the benefits of suburban living and make health a key consideration of urban design.
“Taken together these findings suggest a need to radically rethink how we design and build the streets and street networks that form the backbone of our cities, towns, and villages,” Garrick said in a press statement. “This research is one more in a long line that demonstrates the myriad advantages of fostering walkable places.”
|
|
News |
1 to 12 of 8704 news stories |
|
|
25 Apr 2024
Kerzner International has signed deals to operate two new Siro recovery hotels in Mexico and Saudi Arabia, following the launch of the inaugural Siro property in Dubai this February. Designed to offer guests a holistic ... More
|
|
|
|
24 Apr 2024
The US spa industry is continuing its upward trajectory, achieving an unprecedented milestone with a record-breaking revenue of US$21.3 billion in 2023, surpassing the previous high of US$20.1 billion in 2022. This data stems from ... More
|
|
|
|
24 Apr 2024
Short-term incentives to exercise, such as using daily reminders, rewards or games, can lead to sustained increases in activity, according to new research. Researchers found that even a simple daily reminder encouraged people to move ... More
|
|
|
|
24 Apr 2024
Spa and wellness veteran Shannon Malave has been named spa director at iconic US spa destination Mohonk Mountain House. Based in New York’s verdant Hudson Valley and founded in 1869, Mohonk is a historic Victorian ... More
|
|
|
|
23 Apr 2024
Six Senses Kyoto opens its doors today, marking the eco-luxury hotel and spa operator’s entry into Japan and a new addition to its urban collection. Situated in the historic Higashiyama district, the 81-key hotel is ... More
|
|
|
|
23 Apr 2024
The UAE’s first-ever Dior Spa has officially launched at The Lana, Dubai – the Dorchester Collection’s debut property in the Middle East. Bathed in natural daylight on the hotel’s 29th floor, Dior Spa The Lana ... More
|
|
|
|
22 Apr 2024
The Sacred River Spa at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan will reopen later this year with an all-new design plus enhanced treatments and experiences inspired by its river valley home. Nestled amid rich tropical ... More
|
|
|
|
18 Apr 2024
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) has released new data on the US’ wellness economy, valuing it at US$1.8 trillion. According to the organisation's recent report – called The Global Wellness Economy: United States – the ... More
|
|
|
|
19 Apr 2024
UK sauna enthusiasts will converge at Galgorm Resort in Northern Ireland next week for the highly anticipated second annual UK Aufguss Championships. Hosted from 22-24, the event will see competitors from across the UK showcasing ... More
|
|
|
|
17 Apr 2024
Remedy Place, a US-based social wellness club brand, is poised for steady expansion in the coming years, with plans to open two new clubs annually moving forward Remedy Place is the brainchild of Dr Jonathan ... More
|
|
|
|
16 Apr 2024
Swiss longevity brand Clinique La Prairie (CLP) has inked a deal with Montara Hospitality Group to operate a resort at Tri Vananda – a purpose-built wellness community in Phuket, Thailand. Tri Vananda, envisioned as a ... More
|
|
|
|
15 Apr 2024
Six Senses has announced the grand opening of its first-ever property and spa in the Caribbean, called Six Senses La Sagesse. With a picturesque beachfront setting and surrounded by verdant hills, Six Senses La Sagesse ... More
|
|
|
|
|
|