Physical and Mental Health in the City

Abstract

The intimate relationship of problems of health and problems of the city forms the basis for a dynamic ecological approach to planning for physical and mental health in the city. Rational co-ordination is required in order to maximize the contributions of health professionals and city planners, who must work with and learn from experts in welfare, education, labor, business, architecture, economics, and related fields in their efforts to plan approaches which are generally acceptable and workable. The uncertainty which is a condition of urban complexity adds to the burden of responsi bility and does not excuse inaction. People need sunlight, heat, water, air, and food to live. They also need space, recrea tion, education, and protection from contagious diseases and other environmental hazards. In addition, there must be pro visions for human relationships and creative endeavor; politics, art, science; specialization and interdependence. These re quirements are not as susceptible to quantification as bricks, census tracts, or dollars, but it would be a grave error to persist in considering most what we can measure best. Public health services have altered the world's ecology, though the changes have not invariably been for the better. New conditions, many of which are malignant, will occur. However, a well-planned city will improve human health and growth. Total achieve ment of ideal conditions is unrealistic to expect, but particular diseases will yield more completely and more finally to the broad environmental approach than to a narrower one.—Ed.