<P> The environment is often cited as an important factor influencing the health status of individuals . This includes characteristics of the natural environment, the built environment and the social environment . Factors such as clean water and air, adequate housing, and safe communities and roads all have been found to contribute to good health, especially to the health of infants and children . Some studies have shown that a lack of neighborhood recreational spaces including natural environment leads to lower levels of personal satisfaction and higher levels of obesity, linked to lower overall health and well being . This suggests that the positive health benefits of natural space in urban neighborhoods should be taken into account in public policy and land use . </P> <P> Genetics, or inherited traits from parents, also play a role in determining the health status of individuals and populations . This can encompass both the predisposition to certain diseases and health conditions, as well as the habits and behaviors individuals develop through the lifestyle of their families . For example, genetics may play a role in the manner in which people cope with stress, either mental, emotional or physical . For example, obesity is a significant problem in the United States that contributes to bad mental health and causes stress in the lives of great numbers of people . (One difficulty is the issue raised by the debate over the relative strengths of genetics and other factors; interactions between genetics and environment may be of particular importance .) </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section has an unclear citation style . The references used may be made clearer with a different or consistent style of citation and footnoting . (March 2014) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section has an unclear citation style . The references used may be made clearer with a different or consistent style of citation and footnoting . (March 2014) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr>

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