Article - The benefits of walking around your neighborhood

USA TODAY
Author: Nanci Helmich

“Walkable neighborhoods seem to be healthier for both lower-income and higher-income people,” says lead researcher Jim Sallis, director of the Active Living Research Program at San Diego State University.

Researchers looked at 32 neighborhoods in Seattle and Baltimore, based on income and walkability factors. About 2,200 people, ages 20 to 65, wore accelerometers to track moderate to vigorous physical activity. They also filled out assessments to measure their mental and physical quality of life. Findings were reported in the March issue of Social Science & Medicine.