A recent publication, Our Environment, Our Health, released by the Ingham County Health Department (ICHD), highlights the impact of land use trends and population shifts in the capital area on human health.

There is a growing concern that the design of "built environments" like cities and neighborhoods influences the physical and mental well-being of its residents. Car dependence, sedentary lifestyles and low physical activity are linked to the growing epidemic of obesity in the U.S. Michigan has the highest rate of obesity and overweight individuals in the nation.

Along with land use concerns, the ICHD report addresses other environmental influencers such as physical safety, economic segregation and the impact of the built environment on water and air quality.

The publication can be found on the web at www.cacvoices.org/environment.