Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 13.2
Mortality and income levels in Canada (Source: Revised from Wilkins
2007
)
with latest research suggesting that well over six portions of fruit and vegetables a
day are needed to obtain the necessary vitamins (Qu et al.
2014
). Nutritious food
may not be available in disadvantaged areas as shown by the concept of
food des-
erts
, areas in poor inner city areas that are without adequate food outlets that sup-
ply healthy and fresh foods, a characteristic that was described in Chap. 4. Health
education may improve the choices made, but this is rarely as effective as expected,
unless it starts at an early age in school, but even then family food choices may
reduce possible progress.
The presence of large social gradients or economic inequality in many countries
and within urban areas also means that many people also lack the economic power
to improve their shelter, or clothing, which then affects their state of health. For
most of the twentieth century better wages, welfare measures and social provision
led to a decline in inequality levels in developed countries. But as Chap. 3 has
shown, the past 20-30 years have seen levels of inequality in income and wealth
rising in developed countries, while the explosive growth of urban places in the
less developed world has led to larger areas of poor squatter settlements. Progress
towards healthier cities requires more attention to the provision of Basic Needs in
food, shelter, education, etc., and to improve the Capabilities of the disadvantaged
population to better their own condition and—as addressed by Just City initiatives
(Chap. 3)—giving more people a voice in decisions that affect their areas. Some
