Core Member Monica Peek, MD, MPH, MSc, featured in NBC Chicago

Monica Peek, MD, MPH, MSc, was recently featured in a NBC Chicago article concerning the Chicago Park District’s goals to improve neighborhood health through park access.

The Chicago Park District is urging residents to get active by offering free admission to its citywide fitness centers from March 18-24.  The Chicago Park District said 99.6% of city residents live within a 10 minute walk to a park, where this is access to park features that promote wellness.  More than 70 parks have fitness centers.  Those without fitness centers offer access to tracks, gyms and pools.

Dr. Peek of the South Side Diabetes Project said Chicago’s current health disparities were shaped by policies put in place years ago.

“We have to think about undoing those policies and reshaping communities if we really want to see improvements in health, as well as treating people proactively, preventatively and treating existing chronic conditions that they come to the hospital with in a way that’s fair, equitable and just,” Peek said.