**Houston Heat: No Sidewalks, Heart Disease Risk?**
By Franklin Everett ShawIt’s not just the heat; it’s the everything that makes staying healthy in Houston a Herculean task. We’re not talking about a gentle nudge towards the gym; we’re talking about battling urban sprawl, oppressive humidity, and a car-centric culture that actively discourages walking. But giving up isn’t an option. Let’s dissect the challenges and forge a path to a healthier Houston, one sweltering step at a time.
Houston, we have a problem. A cardiovascular disease problem, exacerbated by a perfect storm of factors. The city’s sprawling layout necessitates car dependence, leading to sedentary lifestyles. The brutal summer heat makes outdoor exercise feel like a punishment, not a pleasure. And the lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure makes even short walks a risky proposition.
The link between these factors and heart health is undeniable. Studies consistently show that physical inactivity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Houston’s car-dependent culture directly contributes to this inactivity. The city’s walk score, a measure of how walkable an area is, is abysmal compared to other major U.S. cities.
Consider the case of Sunnyside, a historically Black neighborhood in Houston. Limited access to grocery stores and safe walking routes means residents often rely on convenience stores with limited healthy options. This, coupled with the lack of safe spaces for physical activity, creates a perfect storm for poor health outcomes.
The heat is a significant barrier. Temperatures regularly soar above 90°F (32°C) for months, with humidity levels that make even a short walk feel like swimming through soup. This discourages outdoor activity, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
But Houstonians are nothing if not resilient. We need to get creative and leverage the resources available to us. Indoor fitness options are crucial.
Community Centers: Many Houston community centers offer affordable or even free fitness classes and gym access. Check out the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department website for a list of locations and programs. The Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, for example, offers a wide range of activities.
Subsidized Gym Memberships: Programs like SilverSneakers and Renew Active provide subsidized gym memberships to eligible seniors. Check with your health insurance provider to see if you qualify.
Indoor Walking: Malls like the Galleria and Memorial City Mall offer climate-controlled environments for walking. Many Houstonians use these spaces for their daily exercise, especially during the summer months.
Home Workouts: YouTube is a treasure trove of free workout videos. Look for low-impact routines that can be done in the comfort of your own air-conditioned home.
Beyond individual solutions, we need to advocate for better city planning. Houston’s car-centric culture is not inevitable; it’s a result of policy choices. We need to demand:
Improved Pedestrian Infrastructure: This includes sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals. Prioritize these improvements in underserved communities like Sunnyside and Kashmere Gardens.
Protected Bike Lanes: Safe bike lanes encourage cycling as a viable mode of transportation and recreation.
Green Spaces: Parks and green spaces provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and improve air quality. The Bayou Greenways initiative is a great example of how to create interconnected green spaces throughout the city.
Complete Streets: Design streets that are safe and accessible for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
One concrete example of successful advocacy is the Complete Streets policy adopted by the City of Houston. While implementation has been slow, it provides a framework for prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist safety in street design. We need to hold the city accountable for implementing this policy effectively.
A common mistake developers make is prioritizing car traffic over pedestrian safety. They often widen roads and add lanes without considering the impact on walkability. This makes it more dangerous and unpleasant to walk, further discouraging physical activity.
To overcome this, we need to demand that developers incorporate pedestrian-friendly design elements into their projects. This includes sidewalks, crosswalks, and traffic calming measures. We also need to support local organizations like BikeHouston and LINK Houston, which advocate for better transportation policies.
Another challenge is the perception that walking is only for recreation, not transportation. Many Houstonians view walking as something they do on vacation, not as a way to get to work or run errands.
To change this perception, we need to promote the benefits of walking for transportation. This includes reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and saving money on gas. We also need to make walking more convenient and enjoyable by providing safe and attractive walking routes.
Consider the example of Midtown, a neighborhood in Houston that has been transformed by pedestrian-friendly development. The addition of sidewalks, bike lanes, and green spaces has made it a more walkable and livable community. This has led to increased foot traffic, which has benefited local businesses.
Houston’s challenges are significant, but not insurmountable. By leveraging indoor fitness options, advocating for better city planning, and changing our perception of walking, we can create a healthier and more active Houston. It won’t be easy, but the health of our community depends on it. Let’s start walking towards a better future, one step at a time, even if it’s just from the air-conditioned car to the air-conditioned gym.