Making the Case for Local Policies and Programs to Reduce Chronic Diseases: Putting Health on the Agenda

In 2002 and 2007, questionnaires were developed to inventory policies and programs related to health and administered to 351 Massachusetts (MA) cities/towns. Results are presented in the following domains: (1) active living/healthy eating, (2) pedestrian safety, (3) and local development. In order to promote physical activity we measured how many communities connect neighborhoods, schools, and stores with walking/biking trails. We found that some communities in 2002 and a slightly higher number in 2007 do connect neighborhoods to and from various points of interest. With regard to healthy eating, one objective recommends making healthy options available in vending machines. The data shows that since 2002, healthier options, including pretzels, granola bars and trail mix, are becoming available. To increase physical activity and encourage safe communities, we looked to measure the number of local policies around pedestrian safety. We found that cities and towns were less likely to offer such pedestrian safety measures in 2007 compared to 2002. In order to encourage the integration of public health and planning, we gathered information on whether master plans addressed public health issues. We found that if a city or town did have a master plan it most likely addressed public health issues such as, density, sidewalks, accessibility, and walkability, but was less likely to address dead end streets. With the results of both MA Community Surveys, gaps can be identified in policies and programs related to health and cities and towns can make sustainable changes to encourage and promote active living.