Healthy Neighborhood

In the last decade, an important relationship has emerged between overweight/obesity and community design and layout. Although the strength of this relationship has not been firmly established, community design does appear to influence health and health behaviors. Communities across North Carolina are finding ways to become more active friendly in an effort to help people live healthier lives.

"Changes in the community environment to promote physical activity may offer the most practical approach to prevent obesity or reduce its co-morbidities."

- Dr. William Dietz, MD, PhD, Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention