Country v. City Health Analysis

[Cassy Thompson]

   As seen through analyzing our country's history, there was a vast increase of inhabitants from rural areas to the cities. Improvement in agricultural technology initiated this migration to the city, and this resulted in inadequate housing, sanitation problems, higher crime rates, and insufficient transportation. Although these were present issues within the city, there were still benefits of city life since disadvantages of the country were fewer job opportunities, lack of entertainment, and separation. This article discusses and compares the effects of city versus country in light of the health of the inhabitants.

   Although the country, rural environment consist of more space, cleaner air, and fresher food, studies show Americans living in major cities live longer, healthier lives, which is uncommon from the past. In the rural lifestyle, it is more common to see smoking and obesity. Along with this, the article stated that there are higher risks of strokes, diabetes, and high blood pressure.In light of this, rural areas also have fewer options and opportunities for health-care and medical services. Although country inhabitants tend to be unhealthier, the rural lifestyle also has advantages. For example, for individuals who grew up in the country and used to eating off the farm, they are often more cautious of what they put in their body in comparison to city inhabitants or if they move to the city.

   People who lived in the city but move to more rural areas often find themselves becoming more health conscious in their diet. City dwellers may not generally be more unhealthy in regards to diet, but they often have more mental health problems. There are more prevalent eating disorders, mental disorders, anxiety, depression, etc. There is more disease spread easier within the city. On the other hand, a lot of the advantages through city life are a result of higher income and education opportunities that are not available in rural environments.

   There are positive and negative impacts from both lifestyles. It is interesting to compare the two and see specifically how, within the issue of health, they can play a major role. I feel as if we still compare cities, rural life, and even suburbs for their benefits and disadvantages for what they have to offer in comparison to each other. A lot of the present issues when the migration from country to city first started are still present. However, it is beneficial to consider the health issue behind the different lifestyles.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1000142405270230479350457643444265258...