Getting there is half the battle: How transportation impacts your health

Written by Dr. Aisha Harris

How are you getting to wherever you need to be, or are going? Do you drive a car? Do you

walk? Do you take a bus? Do you get a ride from someone? Transportation plays an important

role in how we live our day-to-day lives. Everything we do outside of our homes depends on

how we get there. Or, in some cases, how we do not get there.

Did you know transportation is a social determinant of health? Meaning it directly and indirectly

impacts how we access health care, obtain wellness and manage our chronic medical

problems. Our transportation options are both within and out of our control, which makes it a

complex area to discuss when it comes to health outcomes and quality of life.