- Researchers studied city neighborhoods and their mental health.
- Busy, high-traffic roads physically separate many neighborhoods.
- Separated neighborhoods have more schizophrenia-related hospital visits.
- The study examined many neighborhoods across New York City.
- Researchers used a numeric score to measure isolation.
- Large roads and lack of sidewalks increase neighborhood separation.
- Separation can reduce social contact and outdoor walking.
- This situation can raise stress for local residents.
- Planners can redesign roads to create friendlier places.
Difficult words
- neighborhood — area in a city where people liveneighborhoods
- separate — to make two things not together
- isolation — state of being apart from others
- sidewalk — paved path for people to walksidewalks
- stress — feeling of mental or emotional pressure
- hospital — building where sick people get medical care
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you walk in your neighborhood?
- Is there a busy road near your home?
- Do sidewalks make a place friendlier?
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