For Residents

We work to improve the health and well-being of the residents of Boston's public housing, and thus reduce health disparities, by engaging residents in community-centered research programs and prevention activities.

Welcome to the Residents' Page

This is a new page, designed as a resource for residents of public housing, in Boston and nationwide. From time to time we will post health information here that we hope you’ll find useful.

Our first post, see below, is about the health benefits of walking. You can also print this information in the format of a flyer (a single double-sided sheet of paper), as it was distributed to Boston’s public housing residents in April 2010. Link to Flyer

Partners in Health and Housing Prevention Research Center says...

Don't just talk the talk!

Walk the Walk!

It makes you feel good ♦ It's easy -almost everyone can do it ♦ It costs little or no money ♦ It's fun and you can include family and friends ♦ You can walk almost anywhere and anytime ♦ You don't have to join a gym or take an exercise class!

♥Health Benefits of Walking
Taking a brisk walk for 30 to 60 minutes on most days (5 +) of the week can have many health benefits:

Reduces the risk of corornary heart disease and stroke
Lowers blood pressure
Reduces high cholesterol
Reduces body fat
Enhances mental well being
Reduces the risk of non-insulin-dependent diabetes
Helps to control body weight
Reduces symptoms of osteoarthritis
Improves flexibility and coordination
Builds energy
Helps build and maintain bones, muscles, and joints
Reduces stress and improves sleep habits
Increases bone density, helping to prevent osteoporosis
Reduces the risk of breast and colon cancer

Want to join or start a walking group in your development or neighborhood? Contact Mary Jane Williams, Wellness Coordinator, Boston Public Health Commission, 617-534-5690. http://www.bphc.org/

For more tips on healthy walking download the BPHC's Walking Kit here. English / Spanish

Photos: Lenox-Camden (top), Cathedral (bottom) Boston Housing Authority Housing Developments

The Partners in Health and Housing Prevention Research Center (PHH-PRC) at Boston University School of Public Health is a member of the Prevention Research Centers Program, supported by Cooperative Agreement Number RFA-DP-09-001from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its contents are those of the PHH-PRC and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.