Teens who live in a neighborhood where neighbors get along and are willing to help one another are at lower risk for obesity, according to a study published in a recent issue of Social Science and Medicine. Such neighborhood environments, said to have a high level of "collective efficacy," are strongly associated with how much and what kinds of foods that children eat - and how active they are.

Study authors speculate that children get out and play more when they live in a neighborhood with a high level of collective efficacy. And perhaps there are more adults willing to be good role models and who are willing to work together to make a healthy environment for children.

What can you do to improve the collective efficacy of your own neighborhood? Try a few of these tips:

• Get to know your neighbors and their children
• Join your neighbors and their offspring for a game of basketball, Frisbee, or volleyball
• Team up with neighbors to drive groups of children to activities
• Work together to lobby for neighborhood outdoor parks and play areas, swimming pools or other area for physical activity
• Take turns coaching or participating in a neighborhood sports league