Building H

Why urban designers should think like doctors ‘Architectural Epidemiology’ offers a radical prescription for cities: a new design framework that builds health into real estate.

“Architectural Epidemiology” offers a radical prescription for cities: a new design framework that builds health into real estate. f-st.co/YbcDbNR

What Kids Told Us About How to Get Them Off Their Phones Children who were raised on screens need more freedom out in the real world.

Good piece on the complexities of what’s changing in childhood. And data from actual kids. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...

Also very popular in our newsletter this weekend was this oldie but goodie, also from the Berkeley Media Studies Group, on how to make the case for addressing environmental drivers of health: www.bmsg.org/resources/pu...

Individualism threatens public health 1.Individualism is a wonderful thing. And individualism is a terrible thing.

The most popular story from our newsletter this weekend was this piece, from the Berkeley Media Studies Group, on the tension between American ideals of individualism and the essential roles of public health: medium.com/narrative-st...

Be sure to check out this essay, from co-founder @thgoetz.bsky.social, on individualism, the illusion of freedom of choice and how attaining health individually relies on working on our collective health, in our latest newsletter:
mailchi.mp/d36856ac483d...

For our latest newsletter, we look at the iconic American phrase "freedom of choice" and explore its implications for our health. Plus, a new report from @deloitteinsights.bsky.social on food as medicine, a new design envisions entertainment that's actually healthy & more

mailchi.mp/d36856ac483d...

"Given the strength of the scientific evidence and the urgency of the public-health costs, we urge the scientific community and policy makers to recognize the addictive potential of ultra-processed food and its consequences."
www.nature.com/articles/s41...

helpful explainer…

Daily steps and health outcomes in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis Although 10 000 steps per day can still be a viable target for those who are more active, 7000 steps per day is associated with clinically meaningful improvements in health outcomes and might be a mor...

Major systematic review of studies on steps and health outcomes. Sweet spot is around 7,000 steps, but the relationship is an association, not causation.
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...

Powerbuilding Program: Grassroots stories and food systems change Launched in 2022, Powerbuilding is more than just a program. It offers dedicated funding to bring in new voices and contributes to the advocacy capacity of organizations led by and serving people with...

When CSPI launched the Powerbuilding Program in 2022, we knew real change had to start with those closest to the challenges and the solutions. Explore our journey with our most recent cohort of partners, including their stories, learnings, and what it takes to build lasting food justice! 👇

Health taxes can be a powerful tool to reduce harmful product consumption and improve health outcomes.

👉 Register here: vitalstrat.org/44Qgj8U

Join us for a virtual briefing to explore insights from our new publication: The Future of Health Financing in Africa: The Role of Health Taxes.

@stephenjdowns.bsky.social @buildingh.bsky.social

Why MAHA’s push on Coca-Cola and ice cream is 'nutritionally hilarious' Getting Coca-Cola to use cane sugar rather and ice cream manufacturers to stop their use of synthetic dyes are the latest achievements trumpeted by the Make America Healthy Again movement.

www.statnews.com/2025/07/17/c...

Hey look! Total sugar intake is associated with DECREASED diabetes risk.

Total added sugar only associated with increase after 100g/day.

Sugar from soda associated with increased risk.

Which raises the question: is the sugar, or associated lifestyle issues?

www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

Food Intelligence by Julia Belluz, Kevin Hall, PhD: 9780593332306 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books The essential guide for understanding what you’re eating, and the forces that are driving you to eat it. Nutrition isn’t rocket science; it’s harder. There are new diet fads, bold...

Excited to announce my new book FOOD INTELLIGENCE coauthored with brilliant journalist @juliabelluz.bsky.social‬! Cutting through the confusion about diet & health, #FoodIntelligence describes the fascinating science of how food both nourishes & harms us. www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/671334...

What causes obesity? A major new study is upending common wisdom. Many people assume obesity is caused by inactivity and burning fewer calories. But our diets — and excess calorie intake — may actually be the cause.

Fascinating.

wapo.st/4eN2IDX

The mechanisms by which ultra-processed foods (UPF) drive obesity, an outstanding review article
"the evidence is sufficiently strong to justify immediate public health efforts to reduce UPF consumption."
www.nature.com/articles/s41...

1/3rd of US teens (>8 million kids) have prediabetes
gis.cdc.gov/grasp/diabet...

U.S. dietary guidelines on a collision course with MAHA It's an opportunity for Kennedy to exert more leverage over food and beverage companies and what they make.

www.axios.com/2025/07/08/d...

The Teens Are Taking Waymos Now Alphabet’s self-driving car company launches what it hopes will be lucrative individual teen accounts—and maybe a whole lot of social change in the process.

Talked to Waymo about teens’ fears—of driving, of awkward small talk, of social FOMO—and if self-driving cars are part of a solution

www.wired.com/story/the-te...

Stress is wrecking your health: how can science help? Better stress assessment and tailored interventions could give clinicians the tools they need to fend off lasting damage.

Decades of research have shown that, although short bursts of stress can be healthy, unrelenting stress contributes to heart disease, cancer, stroke, respiratory disorders, suicide

https://go.nature.com/4lbvmkA

Trends in US Children’s Mortality, Chronic Conditions, Obesity, Functional Status, and Symptoms This study aims to determine how US children’s health has been changing from 2007 to 2023 using multiple data collection methods and a comprehensive set of health indicators.

The U.S currently ranks at the bottom among wealthy nations on the mental well-being, physical health, and academic and social skills of children.
This is the original research paper just out in @jama.com . A very important paper which should alarm us all.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...

As US population level health data becomes ever-more unreliable … we are proud to unveil a new resource for families, policy makers, and healthcare providers @yalesph.bsky.social

A Classic Childhood Pastime Is Fading Kids on bikes once filled the streets. Not anymore.

A new survey found that biking is down -- way down -- among kids 7-17 over the last 30 years.

"By adding more bike-friendly infrastructure—lower traffic speeds, separated bike lanes, calmer intersections—local governments could encourage children and other residents to start riding again. "

Yup.

Column | Why aren’t Italians as obese as Americans? It’s not really what they eat. The obesity rate in Italy is far below that in the U.S., even though Italians enjoy multicourse meals involving pasta.

Why are Italians so much thinner than Americans?

tl;dr - they eat less

www.washingtonpost.com/food/2025/07...

For better mental health, researchers recommend walking and biking Staying grounded and mentally fit can be challenging these days. While some people turn to meditation or self-medication, a large and growing body of research points to a simpler solution: walkable ne...

The researchers concluded that “parents using active transport modes (walking or biking) consistently report healthier body mass index values, higher life satisfaction, greater travel satisfaction, and better academic performance in their children.”
ssti.us/2025/06/30/f...

Why are Dutch kids the world’s happiest? A teenager weighs in | CNN Freedom for kids to move through the world on their own may be the key to the Netherlands’ top spot in childhood happiness.

"Many Dutch children enjoy a freedom of movement that most American kids don’t, which might be the key to why Dutch kids are the happiest kids in the world..."
www.cnn.com/2025/06/29/h...

Does Constant Driving Really Make Our Country Richer? — Streetsblog USA A new study reveals that constant driving is making America less productive and prosperous — and getting people on other modes could help right the ship.

The thing about car dependency is that we get told all the time that even if being forced to own a car is making *us* poorer, it's great for the U.S. economy on aggregate because everyone can make more money and buy more stuff. But it turns out when you run the numbers that's... not true at all.

Updating the risks of sugar sweetened beverages, processed meat and trans fatty acids for Type 2 diabetes, colon cancer and heart disease @naturemedicine.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...

Innovative parks aren't just bold urban design—they lower the temperature in cities Parks like the High Line have a dramatic effect on the temperature of the city around them.

As the nation’s cities bake under a heat dome, cooling becomes critical. New research shows that new types of unorthodox urban parks—think the High Line, capped highways, renovating vacant lots—can help combat urban heat islands. My latest for @fastcompany.com www.fastcompany.com/91355796/inn...