Online network tackles health issues faced by urban families

A new online network has been launched to help people and families cope with the negative effects of living or working in a city.

The City Health Network has been designed to make different urban communities feel happier and healthier. Entrepreneur Chris Davis decided the differences between rural and urban living needed to be acknowledged head-on and thus created the network.

"I was at a meeting in London and during it the conversation moved on to how social networking could be used to help improve the health of a London community. This got me thinking about the general health issues that arise from living in the city," said Davis. “"Despite the convenience of having all types of services at your finger tips, city living can be much more challenging and stressful, especially when you are trying to be healthy and look after your health. The convenience of things comes at a price. For example urban populations are exposed to potentially damaging levels of air pollution.

"As well as the air quality issues, people in the countryside generally live at a slightly slower pace. They tend to find it easier to build a personal support network around them, which can be an important buffer against stress and poor health. Trying to create the same type of support network in a city is a much harder task and has to really be worked at.”

The City Health Network provides members with regular healthy offers, access to experts and ideas to help people cope with the negative physical effects of living or working in a city. Members can post personal requests for support, deals or opportunities and has over one hundred companies taking part.