title: Urban sprawl and you: how sprawl adversely affects worker health.
abstract: Urban sprawl, once thought of as just an environmental issue, is currently gaining momentum as an emerging public health issue worthy of research and political attention. Characteristics seen in sprawling communities include increasing traffic volumes; inadequate public transportation; pedestrian unfriendly streets; and the division of businesses, shops, and homes. These characteristics can affect health in many ways. Greater air pollution contributes to higher asthma and other lung disorder rates. An increased dependence on the automobile encourages a more sedentary lifestyle and can potentially contribute to obesity. The increased danger and stress of long commutes can lead to more accidents, anxiety, and social isolation. Occupational health nurses can become involved by promoting physical activity in the workplace, creating programs for injury prevention and stress management, becoming involved in political smart growth measures, and educating and encouraging colleagues to become active in addressing this issue.
authors.affiliation: U.S. Navy Nurse Corps, National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pohanka
authors.forename: Sheila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fitzgerald
mesh_terms: D002958:City Planning; D004782:Environmental Health; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D020380:Needs Assessment; D016272:Occupational Health; D011634:Public Health; D012307:Risk Factors; D012931:Social Environment; D014506:Urban Renewal; D014507:Urbanization