Incorporating Active Living Principles into everyday planning Anthony Burton Cardiovascular Health Manager Heart Foundation of Australia p: e:
Urban Planning and Health – Latest research findings! “We ought to plan the ideal of our city with an eye to four considerations. The first, as being the most indispensable, is health.” Aristotle circa 350BC
Who is the Heart Foundation? A major Australian charity that is dedicated to reducing the dreadful effects of the number of people living with, or dying from heart, stroke and blood vessel disease. We were established in 1959 We fund $13 Million (AUD) cardiovascular research per annum We support health professionals in their practice, We develop health promotion activities, We inform and educated the public, We assist people with cardiovascular disease We advocate for changes in policy and the built environment.
Australian Lifestyle Risk Factors (18+) o 18% or 3.06 million smoke o 35% or 5.1 million are overweight (BMI to 29.99) o 28% or 3.9 million are obese (BMI ≥ 30) o 56% or 9.5 million were not sufficiently active for health o Cardiovascular disease is Australia’s leading cause of death 2007 o In 2008, obesity (excluding overweight) was estimated to cost Australia $58.2 billion (financial cost $8.28 billion, lost wellbeing $49.9 billion).
Why are we involved in the built environment? The built and natural environment is key to human health To make a city good for the health its citizens it takes the concerted effort of government, business and the community Healthy planning and active mobility plays a significant role and must have an integrated and innovative design approach with an outcome focus
o mixed land use o parks and open space o safety and surveillance o social inclusion o supporting infrastructure. Design Principles The built environment can contribute to an individual ’ s propensity to be physically active and result in improved health outcomes o active transport o aesthetics o connectivity o environments for all people o mixed density
Active Travel
Aesthetics
An Active Travel Solution?
Connectivity
Environments for All
Mixed Use and Density
Source: Parks and Open Space
Allowing children to take risks in play Creativity: physical activity, cooperative play Source Paul Tranter, UNSW Canberra
Safety and Surveillance
Supportive Infrastructure
Source: NYDOT Street Design Manual Social Inclusion
Information and Data
Three crucial lessons in incorporating active living into planning : 1.Do something – even if its voluntary; 2.Drink lots of coffee and build relationships; and 3.Modify the existing system, its less scary than something new.
Australia needs a Physical Activity Action Plan
Anthony Burton Cardiovascular Health Manager Heart Foundation of Australia p: e: