More Locally Owned Businesses Means Healthier Populations

A recent study by sociologists at Louisiana State University and Baylor University found that counties with greater concentrations of small, locally owned businesses have healthier populations compared to those that rely on large companies for industry. The populations that live in these counties have lower rates of mortality, obesity, and diabetes. The research shows that small businesses are more likely to support bond issues for health infrastructures, recruit physicians, push for anti-smoking legislation, promote community health programs, and support local farmers' markets. Read More about the study, the findings, and the implications of the research.