Here we have compared the two cities on the basis of various Extrinsic Factors which affect our skin. We explain about the factors and then rate the two cities on the basis of their score. The best one will have the highest score. Let the comparison begin…
The Sun | Air Pollution | Temperatures | Stress Levels | Fitness
1. The Sun
As necessary as the Sun is for life to sustain on earth, it can be very detrimental for our skin. From a tan to sun burn and from building vitamin D to destroying collagen (Leading to wrinkles), the Sun has profound effect on our skin. In this factor we consider the average sun time through out the year and compare the cities according to the sun time it experiences.
UV Index takes into account the prominance of ultra violet rays are in the sunlight that a place receives. As you know UV rays are the most damaging part of the sunlight. With Ozone layer becoming thinner and our waistlines becoming thicker these rays are causing very harmful effects on our skn. These are a known cause of Skin cancer as well.
2. Air Pollution:
As if the Sun wasn’t causing enough damage, we have created even more hazardous conditions for our skin. Air pollution is one major cause of increased health risks through out the world and it keeps growing each year. The specific type of air pollutant that is the most damaging is Particle Pollution. Particles include coarse dust particles to finer chemical particles that are emitted from the industries. Many industries near about Houston do make it risky but lets find out more.
3. HOT n COLD
Extreme conditions are never favorable, neither for body nor specifically for skin. Skin looks best in humid + temperate conditions.
Cold climate conditions makes the skin to soak off the moisture from the top layer make our skin look dry and flaky. Where as the Hot weather makes our skin to perspire and secrete the oils, making it more susceptible to rashes, boils and other fungal infections.
Lets compare the climate of the two cities.
4. Stress Levels
Be it of any type, work related or personal, stress takes a toll on your skin too. When in stress full situations, the hormone levels increase in our body leading to an increased secretion of oils in skin. These increased levels of oils enhances the chances of acne, rashes, boils etc.
Its difficult to weigh the stress levels due to personal factors. But here we have compared the two cities on the basis of stress due to external factors like work conditions, traffic, city conditions etc.
5. Fitness:
Personal Fitness affects your skin as well. When your body feels well it reflects on your skin. It is difficult to generalize personal fitness, because of it being personal.
But we tried to take in account some of the measurable factors like, percentage of people with healthy weight, green area in the city (generally associated with outdoor activity) and general eating habits.
Conclusion
Chicago and Houston are among the largest cities and most populous cities in the US. As such they face all the health issues that big cities generally face. We have tried to compare which city has a better level among them, this in no way compares them to smaller cities.
Final Score:
CHICAGO: 2
HOUSTON: 3
References
1. http://www.usclimatedata.com/; http://www.nws.noaa.gov/view/national.php?prodtype=ultraviolet
2. http://www.stateoftheair.org/2014/city-rankings/most-polluted-cities.html http://gispub.epa.gov/OAR_OAQPS/SeasonReview2014/index.html?appid=53ebf02c3d5f400c940fbc781a2b1052 3. http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.national_summary#IL ; http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.national_summary#TX
4. http://money.cnn.com/pf/stressed-cities/2014/full_list/
5. http://www.governing.com/gov-data/obesity-rates-by-state-metro-area-data.html ; https://www.tpl.org/sites/default/files/files_upload/2014_CityParkFacts.pdf
Hey Clair,
That was quite a Match, The way you have done the comparison is quite Astonishing, I didn’t Expected Houston to win, But the verdict is out.
Towards Houston Then!!!! 🙂