PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Major medical journals are sharing articles related to the impact of where we live on our overall health.
Several articles in the Journal of the American Medical Association take a look back almost 90 years ago at a government-led process called redlining. During the Depression, 200 U.S. cities were mapped for credit-worthiness. They looked at areas on the rise and in decline.
So-called red areas were in decline and the poorest members of society, including immigrants, people of color and Jewish people, were directed there.
Generations later, many of these areas remain. They are often located near industrial sites, have limited green space, fewer markets and poorer air quality.
Redlining was made illegal in 1968, but for many individuals, the health risk of living in these areas continues.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
