Prescriptions
Exercising neighborhood voice, vision

By Angela Wagner

Do you ever wish you lived in a neighborhood where there were tons of park space, amazingly wide bike paths and a beautiful community pool in addition to the beach park?

That dream may be more important than you think. A study recently conducted at San Diego State University showed that children are more likely to be physically active if they are enrolled at schools that have playground equipment, sports fields, basketball courts, swimming pools and other activity facilities and equipment.

In this study, the researchers concluded that physical activity levels are largely influenced by the existence of a "supportive environment."

"Of course," you may say, "that would make sense, but why do we care?"

Well, here in Hawai'i we do have some preliminary data that shows that our children have obesity rates that are almost double the national average. We also have data that shows that many adults in Hawai'i are having problems combating the "middle-age spread." Given what we know about health, heart disease and diabetes, these are bad things.

If you are an avid newspaper reader, you probably have seen the articles discussing the removal of playground equipment statewide and the closure of parks that have been deemed unsafe for people of all ages. If you went to school here, you probably know that many schools do not have their own gymnasiums or pools, and many do not even have adequate open space for recess or games. Of course some, but not all, private schools have tennis courts and soccer fields, but that doesn't always help kids who attend public schools.

The message is clear: In this land of "zero lot lines," where people live with very small or no backyards, it is very important for us to preserve public space for activity. In fact, it is necessary for your health. Ask yourself: Would you exercise if the park were 20 miles away instead of one? Do you like to walk where there are no sidewalks or well-lit paths? Would you feel safe riding a bike on your street?

Health is influenced by the environment, and I am sure you will agree that having access to a safe, low-cost place to exercise would make it more likely that you would do so.

Luckily, some positive things are happening in our state to preserve space for recreational pursuits. Chris Sayers, the bicycle coordinator for Honolulu, reports that the bicycle master plan was completed in April 1999 and includes the area between Kahala and Pearl City. This plan features a "lei of parks," priority projects are included in the current budget, and the public should see improvements in the near future. The State Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan is also currently being updated by the Department of Transportation.

Curt Cottrell, program manager for the Na Ala Hele Program, says Hawai'i's hiking trails are a resource that should be preserved and used with care.

"Trails in Hawai'i provide local folks with an opportunity to exercise. We have historic coastal trails and forested mountain trails. There are many options for a wide range of age groups and experience levels, and there are many trails that are suitable for families hiking with children."

In addition, you may have seen recent notices in the newspaper highlighting various community planning meetings. These meetings have provided community members with the opportunities to comment on the transportation enhancements and capital improvements in their neighborhoods. Two examples of meetings held recently include the planning meeting for the Old Airport in Kona and the "visioning team" meetings on O'ahu.

So next time you see a notice for a meeting such as these, or next time you think about writing a letter to the schools superintendent with suggestions, perhaps you should take action and get involved. It is your health and your children's health that are at stake.

Angela Wagner is a free-lance writer who also works for the Queen's Medical Center as a health educator specializing in diabetes and exercise, and for the state Department of Health as a program manager in the Health Promotion and Education Branch.

Hawai'i experts in traditional medicine, naturopathic medicine, diet and exercise take turns writing the Prescriptions column. Send your questions to: Prescriptions, 'Ohana Section, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; e-mail ohana@honoluluadvertiser.com; fax 535-8170. This column is not intended to provide medical advice; you should consult your doctor.