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green living
The Rise of Blue Zones in America
Places that Encourage Healthy Living
by Avery Mack D
an Buettner’s book Te Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the
Longest launched a movement a decade ago. Sequels include Te Blue Zones of Happiness, Te Blue Zones Solution and Trive. Many communities have embraced the principles of this “make healthy living easier” paradigm, resulting in the improved well-being of residents. “Add more years to your life and
more life to your years,” says Nick Buettner, vice president at Blue Zones LLC, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the founder’s brother who spoke with us. “Te people
The five original Blue Zones are Ikaria, Greece; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; Okinawa, Japan; and Sardinia, Italy.
around you, the places where you work, live and play, and the social norms in your community have an impact on your health.” Te original U.S. pilot project in
2009, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, is a prime example. Instead of widening a main thoroughfare and raising the speed limit,
the city widened the sidewalk and created a path around nearby Fountain Lake, offering safe exercise for bikers, joggers and walkers. Te Hy-Vee grocery increased its health market section from two to seven aisles, leading to a 130 percent rise in related sales, and added a Blue Zones checkout lane for healthy grab-and-go options. City workplaces now offer quiet rooms and fruit instead of candy; one business converted a garage to a pickleball court.
Blue Zone Basics
Move Naturally – Even at work, get up and move at least once every 20 minutes.
Reduce Stress – Take a nap, nature walk or meditate.
Act Intentionally – “People that feel they have a reason to get out of bed in the morning tend to live seven years longer than those who just go through the motions,” says Buettner. A strong sense of purpose defines quality of life.
Eat Healthy – Enjoy the benefits of a plant-based diet. One cup of beans a day adds three to four years in life expectancy. Plant a garden to grow fresher, pesticide- free food. Eat meat an average of five times a month and in small-portioned stir-fry, soups and pasta. Consume fewer calories. Drink wine in moderation. Check out
BlueZones.com/recipes.
Maintain Relationships – “If you have fewer than three friends, it’s the equivalent
A holistic approach to personal and spiritual healing
Casandra Akins, M.S., LMHC Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Individuals • Couples • Groups Integrative Breathwork Deep Memory Process® SoulCollage®
407-740-0940
2180 Park Avenue North #230 Winter Park, FL 32789
casandraakins@bellsouth.net
www.akinscounselingcenter.com
www.casandraakins.com
28 Central Florida
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