Think for a moment: when people buy homes, what do they look for? Perhaps their primary consideration is the price. In Utah, the average home price is already $352,000, according to Zillow. It’s about 5.2% higher than in the previous year. Within 12 months, it may increase by 4.1%.
Probably too they think about the size. When a growing family is moving, they will have to ensure there’s enough space for everyone. Some may look at a property as an investment, so they calculate about its return on investment, say, within the next five years.
But does anybody think about health? What many don’t realize is that location matters not only to the pockets but also to a person’s well-being.
Excellent Location, Strong Heart
Take, for example, the new home developments in St. George, Utah. These properties help bring the residents much closer to the outdoors since they also have hiking trails. This type of physical activity is healthy for the body, especially for the heart.
The heart is one large cardiac muscle. Like other muscles in the body, it needs some exercise to prevent atrophy and keep it strong. That’s what running, walking, and hiking do. However, walking and hiking may be more tolerable for overweight, obese, or sedentary individuals than running.
Soak Up the Sun
Another benefit of hiking is the chance to soak up some sunlight. Walking early in the morning can help increase the production of vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin. This vitamin works alongside calcium to strengthen the bones and stabilize the function of the heart
However, more studies suggest that it may also modulate the immune system. The body’s immunity is its primary defense against pathogens. The problem is when it lacks regulation, it can go haywire. It may lead to inflammation, and this issue can affect the tissues of the heart. It then raises the odds of developing cardiovascular disease.
Fighting the Stress
Being closer to nature can also reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. It could be because it shifts a person’s attention outwardly, so there’s less room for rumination and overthinking. Some types of research also cite how it’s a man’s innate trait to commune with nature. That’s why some of the most popular activities are camping, fishing, and birdwatching.
High levels of stress can have a profound effect on the body. For one, it may increase the risk of inflammation. Second, it places some strain on the heart. A medical condition called takotsubo cardiomyopathy (or broken-heart syndrome) can occur due to acute stress.
Places like Utah are not immune to poor air quality, especially during inversions. This phenomenon traps particulate matter into the atmosphere. It then raises the chances of people developing respiratory conditions.
The American Heart Association (AHA) also reported an association between the increased risk of cardiovascular disease and pollution. These particulates can be small enough to enter into the body and irritate the blood vessels, heart muscle, and the lungs. Over time, these body parts become inflamed.
Choosing to live in a master-planned community, such as in St. Georgia, Utah, may help reduce a person’s exposure to these types of pollution. After all, fewer people may mean fewer vehicles to begin with.
While it’s common to consider home prices, maybe it’s time not to make it the sole criterion in choosing a property. So should its location, especially in connection to health.