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Obesity is such a complex problem. Both environment and personal motivation play into the trends we are seeing now. But another thing that is missing in the conversation about policy and built environment is the fact that the indoors is increasingly edging the outdoors out as the place where children and families spend their time. Computers, TV, Cellphones, etc. are all competing for our time. How do you feel the built environment (e.g. fences, lack of sidewalks) plays into this?

Also, children have a hardwired interest in nature but their access to it is dwindling. When I grew up, I lived on a man-made pond in a metro Detroit middle class suburb. Whether or not they new it, the developers of that very lackluster subdivision had a profound impact on my life. This pond was a constant source of imagination and wonder for me (frogs, turtles, etc.). But neighborhoods now are so unimaginative with respect to the incorporation of interesting natural elements.

posted 3 years, 1 month ago
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