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Planning Information Sheet:Integrating Health into Comprehensive Planning for parks and open space, and identify areas imbalance,that is,more energy being consumed for protection as part of the land-use planning than expended through physical activity.Thus, process(Kelly and Becker 2000). part of the problem of obesity is a problem of food consumption.At the same time a significant Social Capital:Social capital may be group of people do not consume adequate characterized as one's social network or sense healthy food.Good nutrition has been promoted of attachment to one's community.It should over time through public health programs such be noted that the lack of social capital,like as the"5 A Day"campaign to promote fruit poor air quality,is not a health outcome but and vegetable consumption and the Special may be associated with or contribute to health Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, (Carpiano 2006).Research is mixed on whether Infants,and Children(WIC).However,access or not the built environment can influence social to nutritious food is emerging as an important capital,partly because it is difficult to define and planning issue involving topics from supermarket measure.Depending upon how social capital and restaurant locations to providing space for is measured,some research finds that mixed- community gardens(Laraia et al.2005;Chung use,walkable urban areas increase social capital and Myers 1999;Kaufman and Pothukuchi 2000; (Leyden 2003;Lund 2002),while others find that Morland,Wing, and Diez Riux 2002;Crewe,ed. less dense areas,like suburban communities, 2004). have higher levels of trust in their neighbors (Williamson 2004).Social capital is one of the least Physical Activity:The connection between understood issues in terms of its relationship to urban form and physical activity has been the public health,as well as to the built environment. area where most debate has occurred in recent years.While the genetic make-up of humans determines many of the health risks that each individual faces,physical activity remains an important element in combating diseases, including obesity and heart disease(Frurnkin, Frank,and Jackson 2004).Researchers are moving beyond an emphasis on either leisure physical activity(e.g.,walking for exercise)or utilitarian physical activity(e.g.,walking to work)to a more comprehensive view.In health terms it is particularly important to consider the intensity (moderate v.vigorous)of the activity,as well as ul the overall amount.Different subpopulations (age, gender, and ethnicity),however, have differing barriers towards achieving = recommended exercise goals.Together,these Public gallery s aces can be enabled through planning.This elements create a framework for planners and example is m New York City, NY. designers in order to help them build environments to create opportunities for physical Food Environment:Local,state,and federal activity from parks and open space to sidewalks groups have referred to the rising levels of and land use,including safety considerations. obesity as a public-health crisis,particularly Active transportation—walking and cycling— because it is connected to a range of other health requires a different set of infrastructure than issues.Traditionally,planners and public-health the roads and trails needed for motorized officials have tried to decrease levels of obesity transportation(Committee on Physical Activity through the lens of physical activity;however, 2005). there has been a recent movement towards looking at accessibility to healthy foods.The current obesity problem is a result of energy Design for Health 5 UNIVERSITY Ot+11 INNESOTA www.designforhealth.net