Issue #50 ·
City vs Countryside: How Where You Live Affects Your Health
🌉 The importance of choosing where you live, some data shows up late, and why it's healthy to write and make mental connections.
This week in building health 👇
Where to Live and How it Affects Your Health
Where's the best place to live for your well-being?
I'll admit it- the frenetic pace of the city isn’t my cup of tea.
It’s too busy for me, it feels a bit chaotic. But that might be more a function of living in a place like Manila, instead of somewhere like Copenhagen in Denmark (best biking city in the world) or Florence in Italy (most walkable city).
Still, I’m the type of person who prefers the quiet of a life that’s outside of the busyness of a city center.
But Urban Life can be Efficient, Healthy, and Eco-friendly
The tension for me is this:
Cities, with their walkable streets and close-knit communities, offer a recipe for a healthy lifestyle.
A brisk walk to the local market, the proximity to resources, and the dense population mean that goods and services are more accessible.
This serves people better and also promotes a healthier, more active lifestyle. (better chance you’ll walk or move to get around)
More rural areas provide a quieter lifestyle- away from noise pollution, unsanitary conditions, and conflict
Being outdoors more is greatly beneficial to your health. (see: forest bathing, the health benefits of being outdoors)
It forces you to live a simpler lifestyle- something also associated with health benefits.
The Charm of the Countryside
But I wonder if the idea of living out of the city is just that— a fanciful idea.
The sprawling landscapes and distant horizons require a vehicle to get around.
A trip to the store might mean stocking up for a week. (also inefficient)
Maybe these inconveniences are the price to pay for tranquility, fresh air, and a connection to nature.
Undoubtedly there are trade-offs that cannot be avoided.
Striking the Balance
Perhaps the secret to reaping the best of both worlds lies in striking a balance.
If you’re nestled amidst the skyscrapers, find your escape in the serene embrace of the countryside every once in a while.
Visit friends or relatives who dwell in rural areas.
Immerse yourself in the stillness, recharge, and bring back that invigorating energy to your urban life.
After all, it's not about choosing one over the other but about finding harmony between the two.
My favorite health things for the week
// one
Lagging Data, Cigarette Sales, and Modern Threats
5 minutes | mpereira
Here’s a powerful graph I saw recently
Examining the 30-year gap between the surge in US cigarette sales and the subsequent rise in respiratory cancer deaths, one can't help but ponder: What's today's silent health threat?
Heavily marketed products, like sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods, may be this generation's equivalent of cigarettes.
Their omnipresence, driven by aggressive advertising, might be masking potential long-term health repercussions.
As history has shown, societal habits influenced by intense marketing often reveal their true costs decades later.
// two
12 Sneaky Reasons for High Cholesterol
8 minutes | Chung Yoon, MD
Surprisingly, a significant culprit behind high cholesterol might be dining out.
While ordering a salad or grilled chicken may seem like the healthier choice, there's no complete transparency in how the meal is prepared or what ingredients are used.
Furthermore, restaurant portions often surpass recommended serving sizes. According to the AHA, the best way to maintain a heart-healthy diet is by preparing your meals at home, reserving those restaurant visits for special occasions.
// three
Write to Make New (Mental) Connections
5 minutes | Anne-Laure Le Cunff
Harnessing the power of the pen (or keyboard) goes beyond simple communication; it's a catalyst for creativity.
Whether you're a writer or an individual passionate about movement, discussing and writing about your interests can shape and refine your unique voice.
As Robin Sloan astutely points out, writing acts as a connector—by sharing your thoughts and "working with the garage door open," you establish a feedback loop, encouraging continuous growth and connection with others who resonate with your perspective.
Embrace the mantra: Write and share to learn, not just to shine.
Until next time
Have a Healthy Weekend