As the weather has improved and the sun has resurfaced in the city, I have finally awoken from my winter slumber.  As a result Sarah and I decided to go for a walk in the Mid-Town(Yonge/Eglinton) Area.  I am not a big fan of the suburban environment (I need to be less than 25 min. walking from a convenience store) at the same time areas that are solely high density are unappealing to me as well (Can anyone say personal space!).  I really enjoy the way in which commercial, high residential (apartments and condos) and single housing units and blended together apparently seamlessly in this part of the city.  While walking the streets I began to notice that this area was different from other parts of the city I have seen.  Everywhere one looked there were people running, many gyms and fitness centres and a general sense people being active.  I know that across a city like Toronto one can find these things but it just seemed that fitness and activity played a prominent role for the people in this area.  I noticed something else.  There appeared to be significantly fewer people smoking on the streets.  When passing bars, pubs or other places with patios people were gathered smoking, and in front of office buildings people were gathered to smoke, but i still felt that the number of people smoking was lower.  As a smoker myself (one of my many vices)  I  wondered if my observations were valid and if so could they be explained.  Before I begin I want to say that my opinions will be formed on broad generalizations and I am aware of this and to remember that these are just my opinions.  The Mid-Town in particular those not living in apartments represent those that would be considered middle to high income earners.  This increased economic stability enables individuals to focus on other issues including the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.  In contrast those struggling to meet the daily needs of life have less time, money and ability to focus an equal amount of time to these issues.  I think that smoking, poor diet and a lack of emphasis on activity are the result.  I am not suggesting the these issues can simply be divided along lines of class but to suggest that there is no connection at all to me would be wrong.