What is a benefit of creating supportive environments according to the Ottawa Charter?

Creating supportive environments is a fundamental principle of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion, which emphasizes that better health outcomes can be achieved through environments that encourage and enable healthy choices. The benefit of promoting community health and well-being is rooted in the idea that supportive environments can enhance people's quality of life by providing them with the resources, opportunities, and social connections necessary for making healthier choices.

Supportive environments can encompass initiatives like accessible parks, community spaces, clean air, and safe neighborhoods, which, together, create a framework that fosters physical, mental, and social health. When communities invest in these supportive measures, they help individuals adopt healthier lifestyles, participate in physical activities, and engage in social interactions that contribute to overall well-being.

The other options, such as increasing healthcare costs or limiting access to recreational activities, contradict the goals established by the Ottawa Charter, which seeks to reduce barriers to health and promote active, engaging community settings. Reducing the number of hospitals does not directly relate to how supportive environments enhance health outcomes, as hospitals serve a different purpose in the healthcare system.