Blue Zones Project - Southwest Florida Blog

YES, WE ARE NUMBER ONE! 

Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island leads the nation in well-being in Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index Community Rankings! We all should be proud of our first-place ranking, yet this survey also provides us with feedback on areas in which we can improve. In addition to great work many agencies do in our community, the numerous organizations and individuals involved in the Blue Zones Project SWFL are working collaboratively on the journey to sustain Southwest Florida’s economic vitality and community well-being for generations to come. Here is a great article from the Naples Daily News about these wonderful news. 

PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS
Achieving Blue Zones Community^® certification takes everyone’s support. Congratulations to the following organizations for becoming Blue Zones Project Approved™: 

   Worksites

     Faith-Based Organizations

The Faith-Based Organization Committee is hosting a Summit on May 12 from 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Many faith-based leaders across the community will participate and learn how they can optimize their organization to support the well-being of their members.

Research shows that attending faith-based services four times per month— no matter the denomination — can add up to seven years of life expectancy. Faith-based organization can strengthen their members’ involvement and support their well-being by becoming Blue Zones Project Approved™.

A few of the ideas that will be discussed during the Summit include offering bike racks or active transportation at services, having healthy snacks, offering free Purpose Workshops, and creating walking groups.

   Food

   Schools

The Blue Zones Project SWFL is pleased to announce Gaynor Early Learning Center-YMCA Naples has become the first preschool to complete the Organizational Checklist, and become Blue Zones Project recognized.

To earn this designation, they are participating in lunchtime and after work Moais, and hosting pot luck lunches to encourage healthy eating. They are also encouraging more water consumption, and less drinking of soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages at the school. The Gaynor Early Learning Center-YMCA Naples is working hard to raise the bar of wellness and to model healthy behavior for students, staff and parents, as shown by this photo of students and staff heading off for a walking Moai.

A ribbon cutting was held at the Center on March 22 and, as shown in the photos, you can see everyone had a great time! Congratulations Gaynor!

    Individuals & Organizations

Fundamental Health Solutions has become the first chiropractic practice in SW Florida to be named a Blue Zones Project Recognized Organization. "At Fundamental Health Solutions we embrace Blue Zones living principles. Our Think Right, Eat Right, Move Right and Live Right message is based on the Power 9™. And, like the Blue Zones Project, our success is based on the health, well-being and longevity of our community,” said Dr. Stephen Stohler, Wellness and Lifestyle Expert & Holistic Chiropractic Physician Founder and President of Fundamental Health Solutions. Dr. Stephen Stohler is a Blue Zones Project Volunteer-Facilitator for our Purpose Workshops.

Moai

We scheduled the community’s Walking Moai Celebration and Launch for Wednesday, February 24. Unfortunately, the weather that afternoon and evening was terrible. There were tornado warnings and thunderstorms, and it rained quite heavily. The party was supposed to start at 5:30 p.m. and we thought few, if any, would show up because of the weather. At 5:00 p.m. people started to arrive, and by 5:30 p.m. we had 30 attendees. Moai teams chatted with one another, swapped stories, and everyone had a good time while staying safe and dry indoors. Many of these Moai members are seasonal residents, so they’re headed north in the spring. However we still had enough full-time residents remaining in town to fill three Walking Moai teams. They were out walking that weekend looking for new members, and having a great time

The Blue Zones Project team enjoyed the opportunity to thank over 300 patrons of the NCH Healthcare System Foundation on Tuesday, March 15. We shared details about the wonderful momentum of the Blue Zones Project and expressed our appreciation of the patrons’ financial support to programs which truly make a difference in our community.
 
Women’s Health Forum – We were proud to help sponsor the 8th Annual Women’s Health Forum on Saturday, March 19. Attended by nearly 350 women interested in maximizing their health and wellness, the Forum, hosted by the Collier County Medical Society, featured informative presentations by twenty-four local physicians.  The Blue Zones Project booth was popular with attendees who had the opportunity to spin the Power 9 wheel to learn one of the secrets of living longer, better.  In addition, attendees walked away with their personal well-being checklists in hand, inspired to participate in the program.

   Worksites

On January 25, 2016, Moorings Park earned Blue Zones Project Approval™ as a Worksite. They did a fantastic job, scoring 77 points (5 more than needed.) They had three different moais – walking, potluck, and painting. Tessa Magaddino, Wellness Coach, and Larisa Zadorecky, VP of Human Resources, recently spoke at the HR Collier meeting. They were very excited and eager to share their story, and to talk about how their involvement in the Blue Zones Project added value and increased the return on their most precious investment, their employees. They obtained Personal Pledges from 254 of their employees, 32% of their workforce, and they’re happy to collect more! There will be a Ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 26 at 2:30 p.m.

   Restaurants

Riverwalk at Tin City earned Blue Zones Project Approval™ as a Restaurant.          The owner, Vin DePasquale has been in support of this project from the very beginning, and his GM Sara Badder brought got her staff excited and onboard. Great energy, lots of buy-in and creativity, and their Executive Chef Corey Heath added four mouth-watering plant-based entrees to the adult menu, and one to the kid’s menu. The scored 49 points, 5 more than were needed, and 26% of their staff completed a Personal Pledge. Ribbon-cutting February 17th at 1:00 p.m.

On February 4, 2016, The Dock at Crayton Cove earned Blue Zones Project Approval™ as a Restaurant. This is the sister restaurant of Riverwalk, also owned by Vin De Pasquale. GM Jacci Jones and her team knocked it out of the water, scoring 53 points, 9 more than were required. They also added four mouth-watering plant-based entrees to the adult menu, and one to the kid’s menu. The Dock serves condiments on the side and uses 10” plates, both of which added to more to their score. Both Riverwalk and The Dock even added the Blue Zones Project website, Facebook, and Twitter to the bottom of the guest checks, and they encourage patrons to learn more. Jacci had 34% of her team complete the Personal Pledge. 

     Faith-Based Organizations

   Food Policy

The Food Policy Council, now named the Healthy Food Resource Committee, has contacted almost 50 percent of our local produce vendors (conventional and organic produce) to determine interest in utilizing SNAP/EBT at Farmer's Markets.

   Built Environment Policy & Tobacco

The City of Naples is moving forward with their marquee project along Central Avenue. The City of Naples had its first ribbon cutting for the Naples Square project, which incorporates Complete Streets concepts while promoting physical health.

The Tobacco Free Collier Partnership is researching ENDS (Electronic Nicotine Device Systems) and determining how many Southwest Florida residents currently use this product. 

   Schools

Momentum continues as nine Preschools/Daycares, as well as a Homeschool and Montessori school, have all asked for information on how they can be involved in the Project. 

As the Directors looked through the Checklist or Pledge Booklet, they were filled with excitement as they thought of ideas they could incorporate to make the healthy choice easier for students, staff and parents. Stay tuned to see which of these Early Learning Centers will be first to become Blue Zones Project Approved.

Meanwhile, a Private school has crafted a unique approach on how they will incorporate the School Pledge. They left the decision up to students in a high school sustainability class (made up of juniors and seniors) who took the Vitality Compass, read Dan Buettner's book over their December break, and met with the Blue Zones Schools Coordinator to discuss ways Blue Zones principles could be used with young people. One of the students is so interested in the project that she decided to intern with the Blue Zones Project team, and is working on projects with the Schools Coordinator.

An informational booth was set up at a weekend event to educate the community about Blue Zones Project, and the class is currently meeting to discuss next steps for the rollout. These may include inviting the Schools Coordinator to give the Engagement Speech for parents, as well as for students and teachers. It will be interesting to see how students will take the lead to educate their peers and parents on how to make the healthy choice the easy choice.

    Individuals & Organizations

Congratulations to the following organizations to become Blue Zones Project Participating Organization:

Windstar on Naples Bay become the first country club in Southwest Florida to be named a Blue Zones Project Participating Organization. To earn this designation, Windstar on Naples Bay shared Blue Zones Project recipes, events, and healthy tips on its website and in member emails. The association hosted a Blue Zones Project “Lunch and Learn” where its chef showed members how to prepare plant-based dishes, as well as a Wine @ Five social hour, where more than 100 members learned how they could live more healthful and fulfilling lives. Windstar also has implemented Walking Moais, groups of five to eight individuals who come together to talk and walk while trading healthy recipes and tips for well-being. Windstar’s regular lunch menu also has a Blue Zones Project section that calls out healthy food items, and patrons may modify other menu items to fit Blue Zones Project recommendations.

Children’s Dentistry of Naples become the first organization in Southwest Florida to be named a Blue Zones Project Participating Organization. To earn this designation, Children's Dentistry of Naples established a Blue Zones Solutions Book Discussion among their employees, will promote the Power 9 in their office and through their social media networks, and will continue discouraging consumption of soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages with their patients.

If you've already taken the Blue Zones Personal Pledge, you are well on your way to better well-being. Wouldn’t it be great to get more of your friends and family to join you? Share this post with others and invite them to visit southwestflorida.bluezonesproject.com to learn more about the Project, attend a Blue Zones Project event, and take the well-being pledge. Our goal is to obtain 2,000 more pledges this month. You can help us get there and make SW Florida a healthier, happier and more connected community in the process! 

Find a complete list of Approved organizations here!

lo bevo vino
Italians say, “Io bevo vino” or “I drink wine,” and they just might be onto something. Studies show that people who have a healthy relationship with alcohol, who enjoy a daily glass of wine, beer, or spirits, may reap some health benefits from doing so. Healthy centenarians in Sardinia, Italy drink a glass of red wine with each meal, and when they gather with friends. People in Okinawa, Japan (another Blue Zones® area) have a daily glass of sake with friends. Residents living in the original Blue Zones areas share common principles called Power 9®, and Wine @ Five is one of these lifestyle behaviors that has helped them live longer, healthier, happier lives.

A drink a day means healthy flavonoids

Red wine isn’t the only source of healthy antioxidants called flavonoids. You can also find flavonoids in brightly colored fruits and veggies, and in dark chocolate. Studies show that a diet high in healthy flavonoids may be linked to a reduced risk of some cancers and heart disease.
Studies point to the health benefits that a daily drink of beer, wine, or spirits may offer. Blue Zones researchers believe the key to experiencing these benefits lies in consistency and moderation. Enjoying a daily alcoholic beverage has been associated with lower rates of heart disease, as well as a reduction in stress and chronic inflammation. On the other hand, alcohol use has also been shown to increase risk of breast cancer in women.

Red, Red Wine
Red wine in particular seems to offer heart-healthy benefits. The antioxidants it contains may help prevent heart disease by increasing levels of “good” cholesterol and protecting the arteries. Cannonau grapes grown in Sardinia, Italy produce more red pigment to protect themselves from the sun’s intense ultraviolet rays. As a result Cannonau wine has higher concentrations of polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant. When possible, sip a glass of Cannonau wine. But, keep in mind that when you have more than the recommended daily serving, alcohol can have a negative effect on the liver, brain, and other organs. In other words, it’s not okay to save up all week and then drink 10 glasses of wine on Saturday night. Consistency and moderation is key.

   Worksites

Congratulations to the first Blue Zones Project Approved™ Worksite in Southwest Florida, Wyndemere Country Club!

Jimmy Lynn, General Manager of Wyndemere, has been an ardent supporter of the Blue Zones Project^® and serves on our Steering Committee. Jimmy and his team completed the Worksite Pledge in record time, scoring 75 points, 3 points more than required. Wyndemere now offers free employee fitness and nutrition coaching, have created indoor and outdoor walking paths for employee use, and offer healthy snacks and beverages to employees at no charge. Their well-being campaign is called “Let’s Get Movin’, Healthy Habits For Life,” and it’s taken on a life of its own. The club’s members have noticed it, and also want to participate.

Many other worksites are working towards Approval status, including Artis-Naples, Avow Hospice, London Bay Homes, Moorings Park, the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club, and Sunshine Ace Hardware.

    Grocery

Grocery Stores are also making changes to promote well-being. Whole Foods Market in Naples was our first Blue Zones Project Approved Grocery Store. This happened to be the first Whole Foods Market located within a Blue Zones Project demonstration community, and they were eager to participate. Whole Foods Market in Naples has also offered Blue Zones Inspired cooking classes.

Wynn’s Market in Naples next earned Blue Zones Project Approval. Since they started making changes in displays and merchandising they have seen a significant increase in the sales of healthy foods and beverages. They even created a Blue Zones section in their grab-and-go deli case to make the healthy choice easier for their customers.

   Restaurants

Congratulations to the first Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurant, The Cider Press Café. Business Director Roland Strubel and Culinary Director Johan Everstijn offer their patrons a truly memorable and healthy dining experience. Everything served is plant-based and gluten free.

There are now more than two dozen restaurants working towards Approval ranging from waterside seafood favorites like The Dock at Crayton Cove and Riverwalk at Tin City, to uptown steakhouses like Shula’s, and old favorites like Mel’s Diner and Greek Gourmet. Stay tuned for exciting news as they complete their pledges. 

     Faith-Based Organizations

Unity Church of Naples has earned designation as Blue Zones Project Approved, becoming the first faith-based organization in Florida and throughout the country to achieve this status. To achieve this designation, Unity of Naples installed new bike racks for their congregants and visitors and reinforced their smoke-free campus policy by updating their no-smoking signs.

"Unity of Naples is excited to be part of this important area-wide initiative to foster even more healthy opportunities for everyone,” said Diane Scribner Clevenger, Unity of Naples Reverend. “We recognize that healthy living means more than just eating well. We feel that it is a blessing to actively cultivate an environment where people can engage in healthy activities and spiritually support themselves and each other to live full, happy, productive lives.”

Other Faith-Based Organizations are working towards Approval status including St. John the Evangelistic Catholic Church, Celebration Community Beach Church, and Beth Tikvah.

   Food Policy

Over the past few months the Healthy Food Resource Committee connected with local restaurants to determine a need in changing children's menu options to make the "healthy choice the easy choice." Local restaurants asked the Committee to put together a listing of healthier options to be incorporated into their existing children's menus. Moving forward, we are hopeful local restaurants will provide these healthy alternatives for their patrons.

   Built Environment Policy

The City of Naples passed a Complete Streets Resolution on November 4, 2015. The Blue Zones Project will continue to partner with the City of Naples, providing any resources needed in conjunction with Complete Streets and the Central Avenue Marquee Project for our first phase of the Southwest Florida market. In November, The City of Naples also received the Bronze Bicycle Friendly Designation from the League of American Bicyclists. The City continues to be a regional champion for walkability, bikeability, and Complete Streets. Collier County staff will also begin to determine any language changes within the Comprehensive Plan in order to incorporate a multi-model (bike, ped, transit) transportation network.

   Tobacco Policy

The Tobacco Free Collier Partnership visited more than 35 local parks to determine whether or not there was existing smoke-free signage located near playgrounds. Most City parks have suggestive signage located near the playground, however a lack of signage exists within our local County parks. The Partnership will continue to speak with the local Parks and Recreation department about opportunities to incorporate signage where children play. 

   Schools

There are currently four schools from the Collier County Public Schools participating in the project as Pilot Schools. They are Lake Park Elementary, Seagate Elementary, Gulf View Middle School, and Naples High School. The Project was introduced to parents, staff and students via a district-created video and letter. Following the viewing of the video, Blue Zones Project team members were invited to speak to parents and members of the School Advisory Committees (SAC) to answer questions.

Every school has a Healthy Schools Team, headed by a Wellness Captain. The Team will choose pledge items that work well with the school’s culture, and help implement them once they are approved by the School’s Advisory Committee (made up of the principal, parents, teachers, staff and students). As of this writing, the SAC’s at each school are still reviewing pledge items being brought to them by the Wellness Captains and making determinations.

All Pilot schools have already been implementing healthy activities through the District’s Wellness Programs, and Blue Zones Project will supplement these efforts. In October Seagate Elementary participated in the International Walk to School Day, organized by Safe Routes to School All Children’s Hospital. Students and parents met a half mile away, and walked to school with great fanfare. The North Collier Fire Rescue District provided a vintage fire engine for photo ops, while various units from the City of Naples and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office made sure roads were kept safe for the walkers.

Though no ideas are yet “set in stone,” some being considered by the Pilot schools are: starting a school garden, starting a morning walking program, increasing water consumption through the use of water filtered fountains, and educating parents about nutritional options. We are excited to watch their progress.

    Individuals

If you've already taken the Blue Zones® Personal Pledge, you are well on your way to better well-being. Wouldn’t it be great to get more of your friends and family to join you? Share this post with others and invite them to visit southwestflorida.bluezonesproject.com to learn more about the Project, attend a Blue Zones Project event, and take the well-being pledge. Our goal is to obtain 2,000 more pledges this month. You can help us get there and make SW Florida a healthier, happier and more connected community in the process!