The Built Environment - Coursework Example

The Built Environment affiliation Built environment refers to those manmade structures and places that are created purposely to serve humans. Normally people use these built environments on daily basis as well for as shelter (Berrigan & McKinno, 2008). For example, cities, schools, hospitals and roads are built environment whose main purpose is to serve people. Each of the built environments has a specific function and serves an isolated group of people. According to Berrigan et.al, 2008, it is important to consider the built environment in public health matters because it greatly influences the overall health pattern and outcome of the whole public.

For instance, the built environment directly affects the quality of air and water. Industries pollute the air and the effluent affecting both soil and water. This can cause health hazards if not controlled. Additionally, poor architectural standards and skills can cause technological disasters such as electrical fire and collapsing of buildings that endanger the heath of the public and even cause deaths. There are better chances of survival in case of a disaster if the built environment supports means for emergency response and preparedness.

For example, institutions with several exits are better than that with only one exit. The built environment when not properly organized, can lead to chronic non-infectious disease such as diabetes and obesity (Pasala, Rao, & Sridhar, 2010). Built environment can contribute to diabetes and obesity by hindering access to physical activities and causing high levels of stress. A built environment with no space for exercising or gym facilities makes people physically inactive. Lack of exercise leads to build up of excess body fat and increase for calories (Cohen, 2008).

The result is high blood sugar, which causes diabetes and excess tissue fat that lead to obesity. Furthermore, a built environment can be a source of stress that leading to unhealthy behaviors such as uncontrolled eating as a compensatory mechanism. References Berrigan, D., & McKinno, R. A. (2008). Built environment and health. Preventive Medicine, 47(3), 239. Cohen, D. A. (2008). Obesity and the built environment: changes in environmental cues cause energy imbalances. International Journal of Obesity (2005), 32 Suppl 7, S137–142.

http://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2008.250 Pasala, S. K., Rao, A. A., & Sridhar, G. R. (2010). Built environment and diabetes. International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries, 30(2), 63–68. http://doi.org/10.4103/0973- 3930.62594