Diabetes is a problem in Malvern according to a recent study, and it’s the most obvious news of the week. All it takes is a look at the factors causing diabetes and the dominant structural limitations in the neighbourhood to guess this might be the case.
The Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences released the report on Nov. 1 to responses calling it a “startling finding.” And I did a double take.
Startling is hardly the word to describe these findings and would be better used to headline the number of fast food restaurants checkered throughout Malvern. Or how about the poor public transit service option? What options are there besides driving to a plaza or mall? Let me digress.
I do understand the severity and importance of this information in the interest of moving forward. Government leaders should employ more common sense in structuring development patterns. More integration of residential and commercial land would allow people to live locally without having to get on transit or drive to get groceries – all while adding everyday opportunities for better physical health.
Bluntly put, there are too many low-cost, fast-food outlets combined with low-income families living without cars in secluded cul-de-sacs. It also doesn’t help that there are no health clubs nearby.
Malvern is a recipe for diabetes as clear as the divide of affluence that is central Toronto. Even areas downtown such as Regent Park have lower rates of diabetes than Malvern. Why? Try walking instead of riding or driving for the rest of the year and you’ll stride into the answer.
Bottom line is the information was not a secret, it’s just this is the first time any one bothered to look.