I was recently asked to propose a short list of indicators of a “healthy neighborhood.” The list was to be considered by the San Diego Childhood Obesity Initiative, which is a wonderful coalition working hard to improve environments and policies to support children’s health. I thought others might be interested in the list, so I am sharing it here.

The items represent my understanding of likely physical or built environmental influences on diet, physical activity, and sedentary behaviors. Many of the items are consistent with evidence. I believe the general concepts are sound, but the specific numbers and distances are best guesses. For present purposes I added a few priority indicators for healthy schools and homes.

Healthy food access

• Supermarket or other source of affordable fresh fruits and vegetables within ½ mile of homes
• No more than 2 convenience or liquor stores within ½ mile of homes
• No more fast food than sit-down restaurants within ½ mile of homes
• Community garden within 1 mile of homes
• Weekly farmer’s market within 1 mile of homes

Facilities for active recreation

• Park with play equipment in good working order within ½ mile of homes
• Parks have walking paths
• Daily youth activity programs for free or sliding scale fees in all parks
• Private recreation facility with sliding scale fees within ½ mile of homes
• Nearest school activity facilities is open for public use

Designing for active transport

• Sidewalks on every street in neighborhood
• Pedestrian aids (crosswalks, signal) at intersection with nearest busy street
• Street pattern creates direct routes from homes to nearby destinations
• Nearest shopping area has sidewalks and safe pedestrian crossings
• Public transit stop within ½ mile of homes

Healthy school environments

• Evidence-based physical education offered daily
• Markings on preschool and elementary playgrounds to stimulate active play
• Sidewalks, marked crosswalks, and traffic calming within ¼ mile of each school to facilitate safe walking and biking
• Salad bars with multiple raw food choices daily in every cafeteria
• Only healthy foods provided at school
• Convenience stores and fast food restaurants are not within ¼ mile of schools
• No food advertising in schools

Healthy home environments

• No televisions in children’s bedrooms
• Only healthy foods out on the counter for snacking
• Sports and activity supplies available for both indoor and outdoor play
• A bicycle or skateboard for every child

James Sallis

www.drjamessallis.sdsu.edu