Living close to a store or restaurant that sells alcohol increases a teenager's chances of binge drinking and driving under the influence, according to a new study from the Pardee RAND Graduate School in Santa Monica.
Researchers looked at the number and location of alcohol vendors in various parts of California. Teenagers who lived within walking distance of these stores and restaurants were more likely to abuse alcohol.
"Our study suggests that living in close proximity to alcohol outlets is a risk factor for youth. In California, retail licenses are not typically approved within 100 feet of a residence or 600 feet of schools, public playgrounds and nonprofit youth facilities. ... Our study suggests that more attention to the proximity rule is needed," according to the report published in the American Journal of Public Health.
The second study indicates that middle and high school children who live near fast food restaurants are more likely to be obese.
"We've basically discovered that kids who are going to a school that is near a fast food restaurant have a higher chance of being overweight and obese," said Brennan Davis of Azusa Pacific University, author of the study published in the American Journal of Public Health. "A nearby fast food restaurant is really a hangout place for people to socialize."
Dr. Davis' work also found that children who live near these restaurants consume more sugary sodas and fewer fruits and vegetables.
Labels: health, junk-food, drinking
Posted By: Aspen Education Group