The people around us can play an important role in our overall well-being and quality of life. In the world’s original Blue Zones, researchers found that the right social networks—or the Blue Zones Power 9Ò principle of “Right Tribe”—can help us live longer, healthier lives. Sometimes we must seek out those relationships--and sometimes they are given to us.
Plant-based foods are the mainstays of meals in the world’s original Blue Zones, where people live notably longer and healthier lives. That means a diet with very little meat, instead favoring beans like fava, black, soy and lentils. For Alma Rangel, this Blue Zones Power 9 principle of eating with a “Plant Slant” is key to both her lifestyle and livelihood.
For Charlie Blaylock, farming is his “ikigai,” a Japanese concept meaning “why I wake up in the morning.” Since childhood, he has felt a calling to work outdoors, and while it took a couple of decades and a few career twists and turns, he finally tapped into his life’s purpose six years ago when he started Shine’s Farmstand.
Texas Health Resources, in collaboration with Blue Zones Project Fort Worth, is helping provide North Texas businesses with tools to safely reopen their doors and remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Texas Health is offering business operators free guides and materials that include cleaning and disinfecting tips and strategies for keeping employees healthy and safe.
The normal “back-to-school” routine is anything but routine this year. School districts across Tarrant County differ greatly in terms of when they’ll start, in-class versus online options, and operating procedures. What hasn’t changed, however, is the need for school supplies. In fact, that need is greater than ever due to the economic impact COVID-19 has had on many families and schools having to shift more of their funding dollars to PPE items and safety initiatives.
As many organizations have done during the COVID-19 crisis, Blue Zones Project has pivoted from its more traditional work to projects that align with immediate and emerging needs in the community.
Double Up Food Bucks Program at Cowtown Farmers Market Enables SNAP Recipients to Stretch Their Food Dollars.
The school year is coming to a close. Students and educators will miss those end-of- the-year events and goodbye hugs. However, there are plenty of virtual tools to help keep children engaged and learning all summer long. Check out these resources and be sure to follow our Facebook page for more tips. Have a healthy summer!
Are you yearning to dine out but can’t seem to find healthier options that actually taste good? Your taste buds will be delighted to find a variety of fresh and tasty options during Blue Zones Restaurant Week, Feb. 24 - March 1. Throughout the week, dozens of Blue Zones Project Approved™ and participating restaurants across Fort Worth will highlight their Blue Zones-inspired dishes and menu items at special prices and discounts. Everything from grain bowls to veggie curries to flavor-packed soups. Visit BlueZonesRestaurantWeek.com for a complete list of restaurants and specials.
Student ambassadors at dozens of Blue Zones Project Approved™ schools across Fort Worth played an important role in helping the city become a certified Blue Zones Community®. Now, a new generation of student leaders are working to sustain those healthy practices and seek new ways to integrate well-being on their campuses. More than 350 student ambassadors from 29 area schools came together in late October for the Blue Zones Project® Power 9® Camp student summit. The half-day summit, underwritten this year by the R4 Foundation, focused on developing, maintaining, and sharing healthy habits at school and beyond.