Lecture 7: Neighbourhood, Place, and Health

Vocabulary flashcards on built environment and health from Lecture 7.

Built Environment

The human-made surroundings in which people live, work, and recreate—buildings, roads, water and energy systems, parks—deliberately planned and managed by authorities.

Social determinants of health (SDOH)

Conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that influence health outcomes, including the built environment.

Walkability

A measure of how friendly an area is to walking, influenced by land use mix, density, street connectivity, safety, aesthetics, and proximity to destinations.

Land use mix

The variety of destinations (education, shopping, housing, employment) in a neighborhood that encourages walking and reduces car dependence.

Urban sprawl

Low-density, car-dependent urban growth that increases commuting times and reduces physical activity, linked to obesity risk.

Population density

The number of people living and working in a given area; higher density can affect exposure risk and access to services.

Public transportation

Affordable, reliable, and efficient transit that can promote physical activity through walking to stops and reduce car use.

Parks and green space

Public green areas and parklands that support physical activity, recreation, and mental health.

Food environment

The availability, variety, and affordability of healthy foods in a neighborhood, including supermarkets and proximity to fast-food outlets.

Housing

Quality and distribution of housing; patterns of residential segregation that influence health outcomes.

Obesogenic environment

A built environment that increases obesity risk through factors like high-density, car-dependent design and unhealthy food access.

Physical activity

Movement that enhances health; promoted by walkable design, parks, and active transportation.

Body mass index (BMI)

A measure of body fat based on height and weight; higher BMI is associated with obesity and related conditions.

Obesity

Excess body fat linked to increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases and influenced by the built environment.

Type 2 diabetes

A chronic metabolic disorder linked to diet, physical activity, and neighborhood environments affecting risk.

Hypertension

High blood pressure; risk influenced by lifestyle and neighborhood conditions.

Air pollution

Ambient contaminants such as PM2.5 and NOx that affect health and COVID-19 outcomes.

Crowding / exposure density

High concentration of people in indoor spaces that increases transmission risk, especially during pandemics.

Poverty

Socioeconomic deprivation associated with poorer health outcomes and limited resources.

Racism / Structural racism

Systemic discrimination shaping where people live and contributing to health inequities.

Tree canopy / urban forest

The distribution of trees across a city; related to environmental equity and health outcomes.

Active transportation

Non-motorized travel (walking, cycling) used for commuting or errands, promoting physical activity.

Accessibility to essential services

Adequate access to food, water, shelter, income, safety, healthcare, and recreation.

Neighborhood safety and social cohesion

Perceived safety, low violence, and strong social networks that support well-being.

Policy intervention / urban planning

Government strategies to design and modify the built environment to improve health and reduce inequities.