Creating healthy communities

Two recent opinion pieces in the Seattle Times brought to mind what it means to live in a healthy community.

A mission to promote health and wellness -- a great example of a Seattle community coming together to "reduce chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes in children and youth through obesity prevention."

For city well being, money is not everything -- describes how strong communities are those that "build residents' attachment". This idea compliments the social development strategy that guides Prevention WINS -- if teenagers feel a sense of attachment to our community, their schools, and their families they are more likely to have healthy behaviors.

Health is what happens in the community

In Sunday's Parade magazine appeared an article, "How Healthy Is Your State?" While it talks about the differences between states, what I found most interesting was the following quote:

"Health is not just what happens in your doctor's office . . . It's happens in the community." It goes on to state, "While you're at it, think about what you can do to create a real sense of community, where people care for each other . . . Talk to your community leaders . . . Campaign for safer neighborhoods where kids can become physically active."

Of course, I would add: Work together to create safe and healthy activities for our youth. Provide them with opportunities to meaningfully contribute to our community and to be recognized for those contributions. These are the types of community activities that can help reduce underage drinking rates and, therefore, improve the health of our youth, our families, and our neighborhoods.