Assignment #8

2006-05-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

In reference to the healthscape of an area, Dr. Masucci asked the class to write down characteristics in the following categories: individual, community, and health systems. These created a framework for the fieldwork.

Individual
Having access to quality food is important for everyone. In Ardmore, the Caribbean Market on Spring Avenue serves this purpose. It is a small grocery store but has a variety of products. You can buy fresh root vegetables, there are a variety of yams (a staple in the Caribbean diet), potatoes, plantains, bananas, green bananas(for boiling), as well as canned beans and vegetables, frozen fish, spices, rice, and various house hold products. They also have a small kitchen where one can get a quick bite to eat.
In addition to healthy food, there are exercise options for people of all ages. There are two playgrounds in the community. The tot lot - for smaller children, and another at the Ardmore Park where there is an array of athletic activities available. There are two basketball courts, two tennis courts, a volleyball court, two baseball fields, a jungle gym and an outdoor community swimming pool. There is a small boxing gym on the corner of Simpson Road and Spring Avenue. The gym has aerobics and kick boxing classes once a week. This is a new facility, but my guess is that it will start offering more classes in the future. On the north part of Spring Avenue, there is a private ice skating rink. It is located on Holland Avenue and has public skating sessions on the weekends, in spite of the exclusive membership requirements. I wonder if and how the community uses this rink.
The third characteristic of Ardmore I feel adds to the health of many individuals are the Churches. There are four churches in the community. The churches are a very important part of the community; three of the four have been there for over one hundred years. Many of the families that attend the churches today have been members of a particular church for decades. The church may be as much of a social atmosphere as it is a spiritual one.

Community
Along Spring Avenue is it noticeably cleaner in comparison with many urban environments. The community seems to be invested in the cleanliness of their neighborhood. There are four public trashcans along Spring Avenue, not including those at the park. This was notable to me because on the Main Line there are not public trashcans on the street with the exception of a park or large business area. To me this shows signs of the neighbors making sure the street and side walks stay clean. Many people even sweep the sidewalks in front of their homes. During my walk, I saw a man power washing the sidewalk in front of his house. Many people also plant small gardens along the sidewalks, which add to the beauty of the area. The streets are lined with trees as well. The community has created an atmosphere that makes walking in the neighborhood very pleasant.

Health systems
Ardmore Avenue is home to a senior community center as well as a branch of Jefferson Health Systems, home care center. I am not sure how these centers serve the community. Other than these two sites, there are no doctors in the community. Close to the area, there are many doctors' offices and not far from Ardmore is Bryn Mawr Hospital.
As a whole, I feel the healthscape of this community is very good. Any goods or services that are available in the area are easily accessible. The large grocery stores are in close proximity to the neighborhood. Many people own vehicles and there is a bus route that goes through the neighborhood. The people of the community seem to care about the overall health of their neighbors which adds to the quality of the healthscape.

Healthscape

Assignment #8