Public health and urban planning are closely interconnected. Urban planning can have a significant impact on public health outcomes.
Good urban planning can create healthier environments. For example, when cities are designed to promote physical activity, such as by providing bike lanes, walking paths, and parks, residents are more likely to exercise regularly and maintain healthy lifestyles. Urban planners can also work to reduce pollution in urban environments, making the air healthier to breathe, and protect natural habitats, which can help to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
On the other hand, poor urban planning can have negative health impacts. Neglected or poorly maintained public spaces can create breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects and other pests. Urban sprawl also creates distance between people and their destinations, making it harder to walk, bike or use public transportation, which can negatively impact physical and mental health.
In short, public health and urban planning are inextricably linked, and planning decisions can have a significant impact on public health.
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