Arvin Magusara
Drexel University
School of Public Health
Sacramento Executive MPH Candidate, ‘13
Walk Score recently ranked Sacramento one of the most walk-able cities. Bicycling is also a top form of transportation in Sacramento. These are examples of healthy living. With the obesity epidemic being increasingly deadly, local governments all over the country are rethinking the idea of creating communities that promote active lifestyles. Click "Read More" below to read the blog and then share your thoughts.
In 2011, Walk Score ranked Sacramento at 24 for the most walk-able cities in the US. New York nabbed number 1 and San Francisco got the second spot in the ranking. Bicycling is also a top form of transportation in Sacramento, most likely due to its close proximity to the college town of Davis, California where bicycle policy is at the core of local politics and student repertoire at UC Davis. These activities are indicators of healthy living. With the obesity epidemic being increasingly deadly, local governments all over the country are rethinking the idea of creating communities that promote active lifestyles.
Recent work has been done to curb the need for driving in Sacramento neighborhoods like the Broadway District, or Natomas. By ensuring that goods and services are accessible by walking and or bicycling, Sacramento is planning to be ahead of the curve when it comes to building sustainable and walkable communities.
Sacramento is also fortunate to be flanked by the Sacramento and American rivers that beckon to action packed river rafters as well as lazy river drifters during the hot summers. Additionally, the city is surrounded by beautiful national parks complete with maintained hiking and biking trails, as well as Lake Tahoe to the east and the San Francisco bay area to the west, both of which are chalk full of activities to promote healthy living.
Healthy living also requires a healthy diet. Fortunately, Sacramento’s agricultural history is not lost on its citizens. The Sacramento Valley is the vegetable and fruit basket of the nation. Also, Sacramento is known to be the farm-to-fork capital of the US, with many restaurants highlighting locally grown, preservative free meats and produce. Moreover, with certified farmers markets dotting the city, it presents its residents of all socio-economic backgrounds with the opportunity to skip out on buying preservative filled frozen and canned fruits and vegetables at super markets and opt to eat fresh cheaply.
Living actively and eating healthy doesn’t require much work. It only requires the dedication to create a health filled life. Choice is a big portion of healthy lifestyles as well. While we can all choose to move about as little or as much as we want or choose the kinds of food we can eat, it is important to understand that there are cheap, healthy alternatives. Health isn’t only for the rich. However, foundations of healthy living must be established. Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and choosing to walk or bike rather than drive are positive steps towards healthy living. Anything beyond that is a plus.