Often, these problems exist because the way communities are designed can have serious health consequences, especially for children and families.
For example, in urban areas, lack of sidewalks, safe spaces to play, and access to fresh foods contribute to increases in childhood obesity. In communities all across the country, children are exposed to preventable toxins at home, at school and outdoors that can cause serious diseases.
Many children, especially those living in low-income communities, do not have a nearby doctor or pharmacy to provide them with the health care they need.
Fortunately, there are things communities across the nation are doing to improve children's health. For instance, in MacArthur Park, one of the poorest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, the community came together to create a free health clinic and new affordable housing. An abandoned minimall was transformed into a new charter school that offers health and recreation programs for families in the community.
