May 2025
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Within your worksite, you can encourage employees to take time for themselves and prioritize their mental well-being. This could include offering mindfulness exercises, stress management workshops, or even encouraging employees to take breaks to step away from their desks and engage in activities they enjoy.
Prioritize Self-Care: Encourage employees to make time for activities that help them relax and de-stress, such as meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature. Creating a downshift space for employees can help with this.
Offer Workshops and Resources: Provide access to workshops on stress management, mindfulness, and other mental health topics.
Encourage Breaks: Remind employees to take breaks throughout the day to stretch, move around, or simply relax and disconnect from their work.
Natividad Farmers' Market Returns
Fresh, Local, and Delicious – Farmers Market Season is Here! The Natividad Certified Farmers Market is back, bringing the freshest fruits and vegetables of the season to Natividad Medical Center. Starting April 2nd, swing by every Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM to explore a vibrant selection of locally grown fruits and vegetables, picked fresh from nearby farms.
They gladly accept EBT/WIC and participate in the Market Match program, giving EBT customers extra buying power for more nutritious goodness. Stop by the Information Booth to learn how to double your spending and take home even more farm-fresh produce.
Enjoy the convenience of free parking. Whether you’re grabbing ingredients for a fresh salad or simply enjoying the lively market atmosphere, this is your midweek invitation to savor the best of local farming. See you at the market!
Discover your RealAge
The RealAge Test takes into account your lifestyle, genetics, and medical history. It has been taken by over 45 million people-to-date and is now one of the most powerful tools in the industry to provide insights on overall well-being. Results have been shown to predict longevity better than chronological age and measures.
The RealAge Test offers personal insight into your overall health, and helps us identify opportunities to better support employee well-being here at work.
Every individual that takes the test can see how their RealAge compares to their chronological age. If you get over 25 employees from your site to take the RealAge Test, we can provide you with an aggregate report.
We encourage you to take the RealAge Test by visiting:
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Register for a free (new) account with the code: BZPMC
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Selecting your worksite (if applicable)
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Complete your RealAge Test in about 15 minutes
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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April 2025
Hosting Healthier Events
Blue Zones Project® has identified specific activities inspired by the world’s healthiest residents that help planning teams incorporate healthy nudges into their events. To learn more about how to set your events up for success and review healthy event best practices, please review our curated document.
Ryan Ranch Trash Clean Up/ Health Fair
This month, we collaborated with Montage Health and Montage Employer Solutions to put on a trash clean up and health fair. We created this event to inspire employees to get outside, volunteer, and connect during the work day. Montage provided resources including free biometric scans and Blue Zones Project Monterey County provided trash clean up materials. Over 30 participants came out to beautify the space and collected over 30 pounds of trash.
Monterey Fuel Company Health Fair
In March, we attended the Monterey Fuel Company Health Fair. We love attending events at this site because their staff is so engaged and it is very clear that leadership prioritizes employee wellness. At this event, employees were provided with the opportunity to do a biometric scan and received local resources with ideas for next steps. We look forward to future collaborations with this Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite.
Salinas Family YMCA and YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula
Celebrate Día de los Niños at the Salinas Family YMCA! Bring the whole family and join us for a day of fun, fitness, and festivities at our annual Healthy Kids Day Fair – a free event dedicated to promoting health and happiness for all ages! Saturday, April 26th, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Two Locations to Choose From: Salinas YMCA – 117 Clay Street or Monterey YMCA – 500 Camino El Estero. Enjoy a variety of activities designed to get everyone moving and smiling. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate family, community, and healthy living. Mark your calendar and come join the fun!
Natividad
Fresh, Local, and Delicious – Farmers Market Season is Here! The Natividad Certified Farmers Market is back, bringing the freshest fruits and vegetables of the season to Natividad Medical Center. Starting April 2nd, swing by every Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM to explore a vibrant selection of locally grown fruits and vegetables, picked fresh from nearby farms.
They gladly accept EBT/WIC and participate in the Market Match program, giving EBT customers extra buying power for more nutritious goodness. Stop by the Information Booth to learn how to double your spending and take home even more farm-fresh produce.
Enjoy the convenience of free parking. Whether you’re grabbing ingredients for a fresh salad or simply enjoying the lively market atmosphere, this is your midweek invitation to savor the best of local farming. See you at the market!
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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March 2025
Tips for Eating Right on a Budget
Getting the most nutrition for your food budget starts with a little extra planning before you shop. There are many ways to save money on the foods that you eat. Here are some budget friendly tips for eating right.
Cook more, eat out less: Eating out can be expensive. Many foods can be prepared for less money (and healthier) at home. Pre-packaged foods, like frozen dinners and packaged pasta or rice mixes can also add up when you calculate the cost per serving. Find a few simple, healthy recipes your family enjoys and save eating out for special occasions.
Plan what you’re going to eat: Deciding on meals and snacks before you shop can save both time and money. Review recipes and make a grocery list of what ingredients are needed, then check to see what foods you already have and make a list for what you still need to buy. When shopping with a list you will be less likely to buy things that are not on it. To “Create a Grocery Game Plan”, visit MyPlate.gov.
Decide how much to make or buy: Making a large batch by doubling a recipe will save time in the kitchen later on. Extra portions can be used for lunches or meals later in the week, or frozen as leftovers in individual containers for future use. Plus, purchasing ingredients in bulk is often cheaper.
Determine where to shop: Check the local newspaper and online or at the store for sales and coupons, especially when it comes to more expensive ingredients, such as meat and seafood. While at the store, compare prices of different brands and different sizes of the same brand to see which has a lower unit price. The unit price is usually located on the shelf directly below the product.
Shop for foods that are in season: Fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season are usually easier to get and may be less expensive. Frozen and canned produce are also good options and may be more affordable at certain times of the year. Look for fruit that is canned in 100% juice or water and canned vegetables that are labeled “low in sodium” or “no salt added”.
Watch portion sizes: Eating too much of even lower cost foods and beverages can add up to extra dollars and calories. Use smaller plates, bowls and glasses to help keep portions under control. Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables and the other half with grains and protein foods such as lean meat, poultry, seafood or beans. This is an easy way to eat a balanced meal while controlling portions and cost. To complete the meal, add a glass of fat-free or low-fat milk or a serving of fat-free yogurt for dessert.
Focus on nutritious, low-cost foods: Certain foods tend to be less expensive than others. Make the most of your food dollars by finding recipes that use the following ingredients: beans, peas, and lentils; sweet or white potatoes; eggs; peanut butter; canned salmon, tuna or crabmeat; grains such as oats, brown rice, barley or quinoa; and frozen or canned fruits and vegetables.
Make your own healthy snacks: Convenience costs money. Many snacks, even healthy ones, usually cost more when sold individually. Make your own snacks by purchasing large tubs of low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese and dividing them into smaller containers. For trail mix, combine unsalted nuts, dried fruit and whole grain pretzels or cereal; store small portions in airtight containers. Air-popped popcorn and whole fresh fruits in season also tend to cost less compared to pre-packaged items.
Start a garden or visit a Farmers Market: A garden can be a lot of fun, especially for kids. It’s also an affordable way to eat more fruits and vegetables. Plants can be started from seed or purchased at a low price. Another way to increase your family’s variety of produce is to visit a farmers market. Locally grown fruits and vegetables are often available for less money than at the grocery store. Check and see where the closest farmers market is in your area.
Quench your thirst with water: Water from the tap is a low cost way to stay hydrated. Substituting plain water in place of sweetened beverages not only saves you money but may also help you reduce extra calories from added sugars. (Eatright.org Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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February 2025
Heart Health Month
This is the perfect month to start prioritizing your well-being. To help you take steps to protect your heart and improve your overall well-being here are some impactful ways to implement into your daily routine with the Power 9:
- MOVE NATURALLY - Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to improve heart health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, by just taking a brisk walk. Even small changes, like gardening, walking your dog, taking the stairs or parking farther away, can add up to big benefits.
- EAT WISELY - Your diet plays a critical role in heart health. Focus on nutrient-rich foods that support cardiovascular function. Eat until you're 80% full which will also help you maintain a healthy weight. Add more fruits and vegetables to your plate and include whole grains, such as oats and quinoa, lean proteins, like fish, chicken, and legumes, tofu, healthy fats from sources like olive oil, nuts, and avocados reduce consumption of processed foods, added sugars, and sodium.
- RIGHT OUTLOOK - Chronic stress can take a toll on your heart, leading to increased blood pressure, inflammation, and other risk factors. Downshift with Relaxation Techniques such as yoga, practice mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or do things you enjoy doing like reading a book, going on a walk or hike.
- CONNECT - Stay connected by spending time with loved ones or your right pack. It helps maintain social connections, which can reduce stress.
We encourage you to prioritize regular health screenings, as preventive care is key to detecting and addressing heart health risks early, including high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Regular screenings help catch risk factors before they become serious problems.
Studies show that nearly 80% of heart disease can be prevented through regular health monitoring and lifestyle changes. Start your heart-healthy journey with small changes that can make a big impact for you to live better, longer.
MST Walking Moai Celebration
Monterey-Salinas Transit completed their 10-week walking moai with the support of Blue Zones Project! Many employees made a habit out of walking and plan to continue walking on their breaks. In total, over 17 employees participated in the walking moai for a total of 341,000 steps!
Starting a walking moai can be a great way for employees to get outside, connect with one another, and come back to work ready to go! Tip: We find that sending a calendar invite with all employees as optional can serve as a good reminder and place holder that yields higher attendance!
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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January 2025
Moving Naturally Together
Monterey-Salinas Transit recently started their 10-week walking moai with the support of Blue Zones Project. They have already walked over 225,000 steps with three weeks left to go! We have a few worksites in the Peninsula Cities who hope to follow the lead of MST. Starting a walking moai can be a great way for employees to get outside, connect with one another, and come back to work ready to go! Tip: We find that sending a calendar invite with all employees as optional can serve as a good reminder and place holder that yields higher attendance!
A Festive Feast of Fun!
The holidays came alive with joy at our Annual Holiday Fun Snack Demo, in partnership with the amazing team at the Salinas Family YMCA! This year, we didn’t just focus on spreading cheer among members and staff—we also brought the whole community together for some delicious fun for the kids. Young chefs got their hands messy and their creativity flowing as they crafted snowmen from bananas and Christmas trees from juicy watermelon, all topped off with tasty snacks for decorating. It was a delightful mix of healthy eating and holiday spirit as kids not only learned how to make festive, nutritious snacks, but also got to gobble them up afterwards! We can’t wait to see what next year’s holiday fun will bring!
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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December 2024
Blue Zones Project Worksite Approvals and Celebrations
Braga Fresh Foods Gonzales celebrated their recent worksite approval with a healthy lunch featuring fresh fruit and a presentation highlighting their achievements. Congratulations to Braga Fresh Foods on their third worksite approval in Monterey County!
Congratulations to the Taylor Farms Family Health and Wellness Center on their worksite approval! The team celebrated this milestone with a grab-and-go breakfast, reflecting their commitment to fostering a healthy and supportive workplace. We look forward to continuing our partnership in promoting well-being!
Blue Zones Project Engagement Events with Worksites
This month, we supported at Monterey Marriott’s Wellness Fair. It was great to interact one on one with so many employees, share about more about our partnership, and provide information on the RealAge Test.
Monterey Peninsula College had Blue Zones Project at their Benefits and Wellness Fair. MPC is committed to supporting employee wellbeing. This event invites all employees to discover a wealth of community resources designed to empower, educate, and connect with health and wellness resources.
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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November 2024
Blue Zones Project Worksite Approvals and Celebrations
Ohana celebrated their Blue Zones Project Approval in conjunction with their restaurant approval of Ohana Café. We celebrated with a presentation at a staff meeting followed by some time to enjoy free healthy snacks on their beautiful patio. We also provided employees with a one-pager to explain the “why” behind the partnership and showcase the benefits available to employees.
PRO*ACT also celebrated their Blue Zones Project Approval. They celebrated with a free healthy lunch for employees, a Blue Zones Project presentation, the kickoff of their RealAge Test Campaign, and most importantly, hula hoops! Congratulations, PRO*ACT, on the approval! We are excited to recognize your dedication to employee wellbeing.
Blue Zones Project Engagement Events with Worksites
This month, we supported at the City of Marina Wellness Fair. It was great to interact one on one with so many city employees and share about more about our partnership. They had amazing engagement from employees and provided so many resources to support employees with their own well-being.
We presented a Blue Zones Project presentation to Monterey-Salinas Transit employees as they work with towards becoming a Blue Zones Project Approved worksite. This inspired their staff to lead a Worksite Walking Moai every Wednesday!
Montage Health recently created a Blue Zones Project-inspired Employee Garden! This month, we supported them with their Harvest Day. This was time dedicated for employees to connect and enjoy the garden space. There were employees’ taste-testing newly harvested produce and employees learning more about how to support their garden.
City of Salinas Health and Wellness Fair
The City of Salinas hosted their annual Health and Wellness Fair. The City of Salinas is committed to supporting the well-being and growth of its workforce, which is why it proudly hosts this resource fair. This event invites all employees to discover a wealth of community resources designed to empower, educate, and inspire. From health programs and financial guidance to personal development workshops, the fair offers a hands-on opportunity to learn, connect, and engage. It's more than just raising awareness—it's a chance for employees to dive into new possibilities, get involved, and make the most of what the community has to offer for a thriving work and personal life.
Alzheimer's Awareness Month
We’re thrilled when our Blue Zones Approved Worksites join forces with our Blue Zones Approved Schools! Recently, Carmel Valley Manor and All Saints Day School teamed up to walk in support of Alzheimer’s awareness. Together, residents and students took steps not just for health, but for connection—enjoying each other’s company and the beauty of moving naturally. It’s inspiring to see such partnerships sparking positive change and bringing our community closer within our shared life radius. What a meaningful way to make a difference!
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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October 2024
Blue Zones Project Worksite Approvals and Celebrations
PRO*ACT became a Blue Zones Approved Worksite this month, implementing researched best-practices that support with worksite wellbeing. They already offered many resources and benefits to employees, and they continued to go above and beyond. They started a new employee garden, created a “brand” for their wellbeing initiatives, and started a bi-monthly newsletter. We look forward to celebrating them next month.
Hyatt Regency Monterey celebrated their Blue Zones Project Approval with a pancake breakfast for their staff. The HR team went above and beyond decorating the room and creating pamphlets for employees to explain this designation. The pamphlet also let employees know the “why” behind the partnership and showcased the benefits available to employees.
The Monterey Marriott also celebrated their Blue Zones Project Approval. They celebrated with the cutest downshift buddies (all of which were available for adoption)! Their Take Care Wellness Committee has collaborated with AFRP for the past two years, and it has even sparked some employee adoptions. Congratulations, Monterey Marriott, on the approval! We are excited to recognize your dedication to employee wellbeing.
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Blue Zones Project Engagement Events with Worksites
Monterey County Office of Education hosted their “Fall into Wellness Health & Wellness Fair,” offering free educational resources for their employees, staff, and their entire family. Blue Zones Project had a great time participating by sharing delicious recipes and how to participate in the Real Age Test.
We presented a Blue Zones Project Story Speech to Esalen Institute employees as they work with towards becoming a Blue Zones Project Approved worksite. They are already doing so much to support employee wellbeing, and we hope to recognize them soon!
Montage Health, City of Pacific Grove, and the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa invited Blue Zones Project to support with their Employee Health Fairs. We enjoyed sharing resources, including the RealAge test, and connecting with the employees.
Montage Health recently created a Blue Zones Project-inspired Employee Garden! This month, we supported them with their Dig Day. This was time dedicated for employees to connect and enjoy the garden space. There were employees’ taste-testing newly harvested produce and employees learning more about how to support their garden.
Ocean Mist invited Blue Zones Project to join them at their Employee Picnic Day. It was a fun-filled day of great music, food, fun games, and resources provided by health and well-being partners. Blue Zones Project enjoyed connecting with families and moving naturally with the art bike.
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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September 2024
Best Practice
One of the best practices that we share with the worksites that partner with us is the benefit of having a wellness committee on site. A team can help make sure that more voices are represented. It also helps to distribute the work across multiple people, so it never feels like a heavy lift. This helps with the sustainability of current wellbeing best practices and the implementation of new ones. Please reach out to our team if you need support or have worksite wellness goals that you would like help reaching!
NEW BZP Approved Worksite
Hyatt Regency Monterey became a Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite in August! Their leadership buy-in and HR support allowed Hyatt Regency Monterey to be approved with the most points of any of our approved worksites! They went above and beyond to prioritize employee health and wellbeing. We look forward to celebrating with them soon!
Monterey County Office of Education will be hosting their “Fall into Wellness Health & Wellness Fair,” on Thursday, September 26th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm located at 901 Blanco Circle in Salinas. Join them for a free educational and fun event for the entire family with great resources, prizes and goodies.
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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August 2024
NEW Blue Zones Project Worksite Approvals
Monterey Peninsula College is now the sixtieth Blue Zones Approved Worksite in Monterey County. They implemented many researched best practices to support employee health and wellbeing. If you’re ever on campus, check out their beautiful walking path through the trees. The QR code takes you to the AllTrails website and can lead you on different length walks. The on-site restaurant, Peninsula Café, is a Blue Zones Approved Restaurant and MPC Student Services is a recognized participating organization. It is very fitting that MPC is officially a Blue Zones Approved Worksite.
This month, the Monterey Marriott also received designation as a Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite! They are the sixty-first worksite in Monterey County and the third hospitality site in Monterey County. The Monterey Marriott went above and beyond to take care of staff through engagement events, benefits, and making small changes in the physical environment to help make healthy choices easier. We are excited to celebrate them soon!
BZP Engagement Events with Worksites
PRO*ACT is working towards becoming a Blue Zones Approved Worksite and had a Blue Zones Project Story Speech for staff this month. They have an amazing health and wellness council that has been working to implement new wellbeing initiatives and share with staff about benefits/ resources that are free and available to them.
Blue Zones staff had a great time participating at the Braga Fresh Foods health and wellness fair. Braga Fresh Foods provided biometrics, health and wellness resources, an array of vegetables for their employees to take home and were entered in a raffle filled with some great prizes that aligned with moving naturally and eating wisely. Blue Zones was able to engage with over 200 employees sharing the Real Age Test, and fun resources to move naturally and connect with nature. Thank, you Braga Fresh Foods, for having us!
Rancho Cielo 2024 Veggie Box Volunteers
If you are still looking for ways to give back to our community, your worksite can volunteer at one of our Blue Zones Approved Worksites. Rancho Cielo can use your help in packing veggie boxes full of Salinas Valley freshest fruits and vegetables on August 20th and August 21st from 8:00am to 12:00 pm. Lunch will be provided! Rancho Cielo Youth Campus is located at 710 Old Stage Road, Salinas, CA 93908. If you are interested and/or have any questions, please contact, Sandra Moore at smoore@ranchocieloyc.org (831) 444-3523. Join the fun by making a difference in our community.
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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July 2024
Blue Zones Project Worksite Approval Celebrations
Corral de Tierra Country Club celebrated becoming a Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite during their Employee Summer Pool gathering with families. Integrating the Power 9 with plant slant, loved ones first, positive pack, and move naturally, they enjoyed an afternoon of swimming, fun activities, and delicious food. Congratulations Corral de Tierra Country Club.
Blue Zones Project Engagement Events with Worksites
Montage Health started an inter-departmental employee garden! They took a section of their parking lot and converted it into a space where employees can enjoy some time outdoors, move naturally, and learn more about what they are eating. Different departments get to sponsor a box. It was great to see the team building already happening as they decided what to plant and where to plant it. Employees even seem excited to have team meetings in the garden and to harvest the produce and do a potluck together! Big shoutout to Yasmine Elsherbini for bringing this vision to life! See the before and after pictures!
Rancho Cielo 2024 Veggie Box Volunteers
Is your worksite looking for opportunities to give back or team building ideas? How about volunteering at one of our Blue Zones Project Approved Worksites. Rancho Cielo is looking for help in packing veggie boxes full of Salinas Valley freshest fruits and vegetables on August 20th and August 21st from 8:00am to 12:00 pm. Lunch will be provided! Rancho Cielo Youth Campus is located at 710 Old Stage Road, Salinas, CA 93908. If you are interested and/or have any questions, please contact, Sandra Moore at smoore@ranchocieloyc.org (831) 444-3523. Come out and enjoy making a difference in our community with your colleagues!
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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June 2024
Blue Zones Project Worksite Approvals
Congratulations Corral de Tierra Country Club in becoming a Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite this month! They are the ninth worksite to reach approval in the County Project. “It was important for us to become a Blue Zone Approved worksite to build employee morale and to make Corral a healthier, more enjoyable place to work. We strive to be our Members Home away from Home, but this is also a home away from home for all the employees who dedicate much of their time and life here,” Monica Sardina, Recreation and Fitness Coordinator. Thank you, Corral de Tierra Country Club, for prioritizing the health and well-being of your employees.
Blue Zones Project Worksite Approval Celebrations
CSUMB University Corporation celebrated becoming a Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite at their employee garden launch! They revamped their outdoor space to create a spot where employees could downshift while at work. Their employee garden is pizza-themed, so we can’t wait to hear about all the social events that come out of growing their own supplies. "Wellness is at the core of everything we do, and working with Blue Zone Project has helped bring employee wellness initiatives to the forefront here at University Corporation. Having support from an outside organization, with clear measurables and metrics, has made it easy and attainable to reach our wellness goals. It's been a pleasure collaborating with Blue Zone Project, and we are so excited to be listed as a BZP Approved Worksite." – Audrey Oswald, HR Specialist.
Blue Zones Project Engagement Events with Worksites
Cypress Healthcare Partners had a plant-based cooking demo that was on-site and streamed for remote employees. Chef Ignacio from La Casa Del Sazon showed employees how to make Tacos Poblanos, and everyone got to sample the recipe. Cypress Healthcare Partners is doing a challenge for employees to try to make the recipe on their own to be entered into a raffle! We can’t wait to see what they make!
Carmel Unified School District had a Blue Zones Project lunch and learn to see if the site was on board with becoming a Blue Zones Approved Worksite. They had employees bring materials for a salad potluck that was a huge success!
We presented a Blue Zones Project Story Speech to PRO*ACT’s Wellness Committee to see if working with Blue Zones Project was a good fit. They are already doing so much to support employee wellbeing and we hope to recognize them soon!
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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May 2024
Employee Wellness
Employee wellness is critical when thinking about retention and recruitment. Having wellness healthy activities that are engaging and build interpersonal connections can be a good starting place. Some examples can include a wellness challenge, healthy potluck, group volunteer activity, taking a walking meeting, going on a group walk, or a lunch and learn with a wellness topic. There are lots of creative ways to engage your staff in finding their purpose, creating connection, eating wisely, and moving naturally.
Braga Fresh Foods Spreckels
We had an amazing time celebrating Braga Fresh Foods Spreckels as the 9th Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite in our County Project this month making it their second facility to be approved. They are committed to continue to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees.
“Our (Braga) team members spend a good portion of their time each day at our Spreckels worksite location. It is important that we maintain an environment that inspires everyone to not only work productively, but that fosters a healthy atmosphere of collaboration, self-fulfillment and overall well-being…both professionally and personally.” – Colby Pereira, Chief Operating Officer
Aspire Health Cooking Demo
On Aprill 11, Goi from Thai is Fun led a cooking demonstration for Aspire Health staff in Monterey. Goi prepared flavorful stir-fried ginger mushroom with tofu. Attendees learned about the health benefits of the ingredients used and enjoyed sampling the dish. Thai is Fun is a newly recognized Participating Organization that offers fun and interactive Thai cooking classes. To learn more about Thai is Fun, check out thaiisfun.com.
Marina Coast Water Global Service Day
This month, Marina Coast Water District celebrated Earth Day by beautifying the outside of the Veteran’s Transition Center. They had about forty people, including one of their board members, out mowing lawn, removing ice plant and weeds, and cleaning up the space for their back garden. Volunteering as a worksite is an amazing way to support the community and create internal connections between employees. Thank you, Marina Coast Water District!
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Carmel Valley Manor Gets Running
Carmel Valley Manor was excited to move naturally with their staff by participating in the Big Sur International 5k on April 28th! They had a blast connecting with each other and all the participants feeling the energy of such a positive pack! Congratulations to the Carmel Valley Manor Staff for their growing staff participation in the Big Sur International 5k for the 2nd year!
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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April 2024
April 22nd is Earth Day!
There is still time to promote a volunteer event at your worksite if you haven’t already. Promoting volunteer events and/or having a global service day help your employees connect with each other and their community. Some of our Blue Zones Approved Worksites plan to wear their branded shirts to our events and/or create their own events!
Worksite Walking Break Challenge Winners!
We wrapped up our worksite walking break challenge in February for Heart Health Month. It was great to see participation from worksites across Monterey County. Congratulations to the winners!
Winners:
- Elaine T. (Marina Coast Water District)
- Tobias O. (Marina Coast Water District)
- Lilly Serrano (Pacific Valley Bank)
- Jorge Ramos (Natividad)
- Carolyn Fisher (Natividad)
- Noemi Breig (Natividad)
- Telisa Rios (MCOE)
- Gina Rosas (MCOE)
- Liz Wiles (MCOE)
Ohana became a Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite
This past month, Ohana became a BZP Approved Worksite, reaching 101 points! That is the most points of any worksite across Monterey County. Congratulations to Ohana and thank you for prioritizing the health and well-being of your employees.
Biometric Screening
Monterey Fuel Company had their annual biometric screening this month. Blue Zones Project was able to engage 1:1 with staff, pass out Blue Zones Project events, and hear stories of the impact their health and wellbeing initiatives have had on the staff. Thank you, Monterey Fuel Company, for having us!
BZP Presentation
Blue Zones Project Monterey County delivered a Story Speech to Hyatt Regency Monterey’s Leadership. The leadership team learned about Blue Zones Project and the impact it has had on our county. The team was also able to share individualized feedback on what they would love to see/ what would be most impactful on site in terms of employee wellbeing. We’re looking forward to the partnership!
Staff Planting Day
With planting season here, Carmel Valley Manor wanted to spruce up their garden by hosting a fun staff planting seed day. They offered two different times to fit into everyone’s schedule to participate. Did you know on-site gardens are a great way to incorporate physical activity, relieve stress, increase team building and stimulate volunteer experience? The gardens can supply fresh herbs and vegetables and flowers, to take home, or can be implemented into dishes from an on-site cafeteria, and/ or use in healthy cooking dishes at work. Staff enjoyed the beautiful day connecting as they planted seeds in their employee greenhouse.
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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March 2024
Worksite Walking Break Challenge
We wrapped up our worksite walking break challenge for Heart Health Month. It was great to see participation from worksites across Monterey County. If you participated, make sure to send us your tracker. We will be raffling off prizes to participants and acknowledging worksites with the most participants. We’re excited to see all the wonderful individuals that prioritized movement and downshifting throughout their day. Winners to be announced in next month’s newsletter.
BZP Luncheon
Blue Zones Project Monterey County gave a presentation last month at the Monterey County Hospitality Association Luncheon. It was great to connect with the hospitality spaces and business owners in Monterey County to see what a potential partnership could look like. We’re thankful for the opportunity and excited to see what’s to come!
BZP Presentation
Doctors on Duty – Lighthouse had Blue Zones Project Monterey County come speak. We shared with new colleagues what it means to be a BZP Approved Worksite and all the wonderful initiatives that are going on at their site/ throughout the county. The manager, Michelle Rhodes, also provided her staff with lunch from a BZP Approved Restaurant, Zab Zab Thai
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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February 2024
February is National Heart Health Month. During February, people are encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health and take preventative measures to promote heart health. Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans. Since roughly one-third of our day is spent at work, it’s important that your worksite environment supports making healthy choices. Below you will find a challenge designed by Blue Zones Project to support heart health at your worksite:
Worksite Walking Break Challenge in February for National Heart Health Month!
Employees will have the opportunity to participate in our upcoming steps/walking challenge for a chance to win prizes! Walking provides many health benefits. It can help lose weight, get fit, boost your mood, and so much more! Please contact Larisa at larisa.sheparovich@sharecare.com if you would like to be sent the materials for your site to participate.
Lunch and Learn: Lactation Accommodation Training
Lactation rooms in the workplace are essential for working mothers who want to continue breastfeeding their babies after returning to work. Learn the importance & guidelines in providing a private space in accommodating lactation at your worksite. You are invited to attend a free lunch and learn on Lactation Accommodation on-line training Thursday, February 8th, 2024 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Details and link below:
Natividad in partnership with Blue Zones Project and Salinas Regional Soccer Complex hosted their first Walk and Learn in January, led by Dr. Arias from Natividad Hospital. She shared on the importance and tips on “how to get a healthy start in the New Year.” Everyone enjoyed the great discussion and beautiful weather during their walk.
Blue Zones Project will be presenting at the Monterey County Hospitality Association Membership Luncheon on February 22nd. Quarterly Membership Lunch - Monterey County Hospitality Association (mcha.net)
The staff at Chartwell School in Seaside is prioritizing employee wellness and working towards becoming Blue Zones Project Approved. This month, they had Blue Zones Project come in to share more about the work that is going on in the community as well as the wellbeing initiatives implemented on their site to support their wellbeing. Ultimately, happier employees lead to happier students.
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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January 2024
Lunch and Learn: Lactation Accommodation Training
Lactation rooms in the workplace are essential for working mothers who want to continue breastfeeding their babies after returning to work. Learn the importance & guidelines in providing a private space in accommodating lactation at your worksite. You are invited to attend a free lunch and learn on Lactation Accommodation on-line training Thursday, February 8th, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Details and link below:
Salinas Family YMCA Healthy Holiday Snack Food Demonstration
Blue Zones Project Monterey County had such a great time leading a Holiday Snack Food Demonstration with one of our BZP Approved Worksites, Salinas Family YMCA. Our participants were as young as 5 years old up to 12 years old. They had a blast learning to make Grinch fruit Kabobs and Celery Reindeer. Eating wisely is an important aspect of health, so finding easy, creative, and fun ways to make snacks makes it easier for children to try a new fruit or veggie.
CSUMB University Corporation became a Blue Zones Approved Worksite!
To showcase their commitment to employee well-being, CSUMB University Corporation implemented a variety of best practices to make healthy choices easier for our staff. These initiatives include providing ergonomic assessments and resources to employees, offering special blue zones parking for employees to encourage more natural movement, providing an amazing downshift room that the employees can utilize during their breaks, and more. With a high percentage of Monterey County residents diagnosed with diabetes, they also prioritized offering biometric screening to support employees’ health and wellness goals.
Coming soon! Worksite Challenge in February for National Heart Health Month! Employees will have the opportunity to participate in our upcoming steps/walking challenge for a chance to win prizes! Walking provides many health benefits. It can help lose weight, get fit, boost mood and so much more!
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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December 2023
Worksite Wellbeing Practices
We spend about 1/3 of our day at work, so it is important to create an environment of belonging and foster a culture of understanding. Creating connection within the workplace can take many different forms.
Here are some best practices that we’ve seen from our worksites:
- implement onsite activities or social gatherings
- organize social gatherings that include family
- implement a well-being advisory committee
- provide communication opportunities for employees to share
- create a gratitude or shout-out board
- start each meeting with a wellbeing questions (examples: What have you done or what do you plan to do to downshift today? In what ways can you use your gifts at work? How do you find purpose in your work? What do you look forward to about going to work every day? How do you strike a healthy work-life balance?).
While it may feel like you’re taking time out of your day to create these connections, research has shown that employees will have a higher number of self-reported “best work” days.
Let us know what your office does to build connection!
The City of Marina – City Hall is now a Blue Zones Approved Worksite!
City of Marina – City Hall is the 1st municipality to become Blue Zones Project Approved in the Peninsula Cities project and the 51st worksite to become Blue Zones Project Approved in Monterey County. City of Marina – City Hall has implemented many worksite transformations that demonstrate their commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of their employees including creating walking routes, updating catering guidelines to ensure that there are always healthy options available, encouraging volunteerism, hanging posters to encourage staff to take micro-breaks, and many more! We got to celebrate this accomplishment by presenting to City Council on November 21st.
Congratulations Braga Fresh Foods Spreckels!
Braga Fresh Foods in Spreckels is their second location to become Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite and joins as the 52nd worksite to become Blue Zones Project Approved in Monterey County. Braga Fresh has demonstrated their commitment to continue to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees by implementing transformations at their second site. We look forward to their celebration!
Central Coast VNA & Hospice Cooking Demo
Blue Zones Project Monterey County also provided a Cooking Demo for the staff at Central Coast VNA & Hospice In both, the Salinas and Monterey offices. The staff learned how to make healthy meals and snacks that were easy to prep/ bring to work. Eating wisely is an important aspect of health, so finding easy ways to bring healthy meals and snacks to work can help.
World Diabetes Day at Natividad
Natividad hosted World Diabetes Day informational fair on Tuesday, November 14 and Blue Zones Project Monterey County had a great time participating. Employees, patients, and families learned about their risks for Type 2 diabetes, how to prevent, and how to care for the symptoms and improve healthy habits. Blue Zones Project shared how to “rethink your drinking habits” and delicious easy healthy recipes.
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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November 2023
Have you or your staff considered taking walking breaks or walking meetings? Some worksites opt to have everyone take a walking break together. Designated a walking path can help support employees utilize their breaks to support with their own health and wellbeing. Walking meetings can also be a productive way to get in your steps. Walking breaks/ meetings help prevent or manage type 2 diabetes, prevent and reduce high blood pressure, keep your lungs healthy, improve mood, and burn calories.
Cypress Healthcare Partners is now a Blue Zones Approved Worksite!
Cypress Healthcare Partners implemented many new initiatives to support employee well-being. They created an amazing downshift space on-site, created a walking route, established a Blue Zones Parking Space to encourage employees to add a few extra steps to their day, and more! They celebrated this achievement with an amazing healthy breakfast for their staff. Employees also had a blast trying out the Smoothie Bike! "At Cypress Healthcare Partners, we have always been committed to health and well being and it is such a pleasure to have the partnership of the Blue Zones Project to support us in that journey of giving back to our employees with resources, better health, happiness, and inspiring our team to give back to our community. Let’s be the change we want to see!" - Sabrina Martinez
Marina Coast Water District became the 2nd Blue Zones Approved Worksite in Marina!
We had an amazing celebration at one of their social events for employees, their annual Chili Cookoff. There were even some plant-based chili options entered into the competition! We enjoyed celebrating their hard work. It has been amazing to see employees continue to come out to Blue Zones Project events. Since approval, they have also created a new employee garden. We’re excited about this continued partnership. "After thoughtful consideration and discussion, I genuinely believe that when one is employed by a service provider—especially in the realm of water—it naturally inspires a desire to give back to the community, enriching it as a place to live, eat, work, and play. Undergoing the approval process for the Blue Zones Project has led some of us to view our community through a different lens. We've come to realize that the modest steps we've taken can indeed make a meaningful difference in numerous lives, as well as our own. This journey has deepened our connection with our community, making it a healthier environment for all. Providing the high-quality water that we do serves as a vital resource in promoting overall health and wellness." - Stephenie Verduzco
City of Salinas Employee Health & Wellness Fair
City of Salinas sees the importance in promoting wellness and healthy living among their employees. After the pandemic they were finally able to host their annual Employee Health and Wellness Fair . Employees participated in health screenings, learn about different services and organizations tied into health and wellness as well as participate in a fun salsa tasting recipe competition. They also had some great raffle prizes.
Salinas Union High School District Professional Development Day
Blue Zones Project Monterey County had the opportunity to participate in Salinas Union High School District Professional Development Day. We shared how to live longer, better with a focus on Diabetes Awareness Month. In addition to the educational aspect, we also had a fun cooking demonstration on how to make your hummus. It was fun showing how easily you can get creative in making your own hummus and how to enjoy your veggies with an additional kick of flavor.
Rancho Cielo Pumpkins & Succulents with Staff
There is nothing like ending a busy work week for staff with a fun activity on a Friday afternoon. In collaboration with Rancho Cielo’s very own leadership garden manager, Julie, everyone enjoyed learning about Blue Zones Project Power 9 and how it aligned with staff engagement. Everyone enjoyed decorating their pumpkins with succulents, enjoyed delicious snacks, and got to take home vegetables grown in Rancho Cielo’s Garden.
Doctors on Duty Cooking Demo
Blue Zones Project Monterey County also provided a Cooking Demo for the managers of Doctors on Duty. The staff learned how to make healthy meals and snacks that were easy to prep/ bring to work. Eating wisely is an important aspect of health, so finding easy ways to bring healthy meals and snacks to work can help.
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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October 2023
Worksite Wellness Tip
Your workspace can affect your daily comfort and performance. Paying attention to your ergonomics can help keep you safe and healthy. Feel free to look through the attached ergonomic self-assessment to see what you are already doing and what small changes you can make that will make a big difference over time. Keep your posture in mind. A few ideas to support with your ergonomics are adjusting your screen to be free from glare, sitting upright, and taking eye breaks from your monitor.
On Thursday, September 28th, our Blue Zones Team had the opportunity to participate at the MCOE Health and Wellness Fair. It was a fun and educational afternoon for employees and families to participate in free health screenings, glucose testing, fitness and nutrition information, prize giveaways and of course veggies. Thank you, Monterey County Office of Education, for the invitation.
This month our worksite sector attended the North Monterey County Unified School District Alliance Meeting. It is a roundtable of community members, business leaders, and educational partners to input on how to collectively impact the community. By participating, Blue Zones Project collaborates with worksites, schools, and organizations, to collaborate, create and implement positive changes in our Life Radius.
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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September 2023
Worksite Wellness Tip
Remember to take microbreaks while at work and encourage others to do the same. Microbreaks have been shown to improve your ability to concentrate, reduce workplace stress, help you avoid common desk injuries, and produce better quality work. Scheduling reminders on your calendar that remind you to stretch or to get up and move can be an easy way to build this into your daily routine. Feel free to put a copy of this flyer near your desk or in common spaces around the office to remind you to “Get Up Offa That Thing!”
Hike and Wine at the Vineyards with Valley Farm Management and CRU winery!
Curated events are successful when we work together It was another beautiful day hiking thru the vineyards as our “Hike and Wine Series” continues in partnership with Valley Farm Management and CRU winery. Don’t miss out on our upcoming “Hike and Wine” this month, Sunday, September 10th at 10 am at CRU Winery/Valley Farm Management property, 375200 Foothill Road in Soledad and enjoy a glass of wine after! Everyone welcomed (kid and pet friendly event).
Welcome Corral de Tierra
Corral de Tierra recently registered as a worksite and Blue Zones Project had the opportunity to present to their staff. It was great to engage with their staff filled with some great giveaways. They are ready to create a healthier, more productive workplace.
Dole Safety Fair
We had a great time celebrating Safety Week at the Dole Employee Safety Fair in Soledad. We had the opportunity to share with over 200 employees’ resources to help support their health and wellbeing.
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay hosted their Blue Zones Project Approval Celebration. This celebration included a wellness fair for staff with opportunities to eat wisely, move naturally, and connect with one another. They had free biometric screenings available for all employees.
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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August 2023
Employee Engagement in Workplace Wellness
Wellness program engagement is about more than just showing up at a health screening or other activity to receive an incentive or avoid a financial penalty. Although participation is necessary to be engaged, employees do have to be engaged to participate. Engagement involves creating and maintaining a sincere interest and involvement in living a healthy life—at home and at work. Workplace wellness programs are only as effective as the proportion of employees who are truly engaged in the program.
Although industry leaders and researchers vary in their definition of wellness program engagement, engagement is commonly viewed as the level of enrollment and sustained participation in a program such as Blue Zones Monterey County, which includes:
- Engagement Events: cooking demos, volunteering, walking and potluck moais, community & curated events
- Professional Development: Purpose Workshops, Worksite well-being best practices, live longer Better Rewards & community challenges
- Well-Being Resources: Work from home toolkit, healthier home tools, Sharecare well-being app, healthy recipes, nutrition education, mindfulness practices, diabetes education
Active participation results in making the healthy choice, the easy choice. Employees making healthier decisions (e.g., choosing healthy foods, quitting tobacco, exercising regularly, managing stress). Engagement also includes employee input, involvement and focus on core themes that help employees live longer, heathier and happier lives: RIGHT OUTLOOK, EAST WISELY, MOVE NATURALLY AND CONNECT.
Strengthen or transform your employees' involvement and support their well-being by becoming a BZP Approved Worksite.
Cypress Healthcare Partners Beach Clean Up
Cypress Healthcare Partners, in partnership with Blue Zones Project, hosted a beach clean up for their staff and their families. The staff filled nine bags of trash and even recruited some local beach goers to join in on the fun. This was a great opportunity to connect with one another as well as beautify a local beach.
RealAge Test Lunch & Learn – Doctors on Duty/ Central Coast VNA and Hospice
This month Doctors on Duty and Central Coast VNA and Hospice hosted a Lunch & Learns for their staff at multiple of their sites to take the RealAge Test. The staff decided on healthy options available for their lunch and got to learn tips and tricks to support their wellbeing. Everyone left pleasantly surprised that their RealAge is younger than their chronological age!
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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June 2023
Approval Celebrations
This month Valley Farm Management celebrated becoming Blue Zones Project Approved Worksites! Valley Farm Management celebrated with their staff and families during their monthly fitness expo. They kicked off with a family hike, followed by a delicious healthy lunch during their recognition and participated in taking the RealAge Test with opportunities to win great prizes. It was a great day filled with fun activities for everyone.
Also, this month we celebrated Gateway Center of Monterey becoming BZP Approved worksite. It was a beautiful afternoon with a room full of excited staff members. The walking moais have been so successful with their employees that even the residents are feeling inspired to go out and walk. They work hard to provide their staff with healthy food options and have prioritized ergonomic assessments with their employees.
Montage Medical Staff Happy Hour
This month Montage hosted a Blue Zones inspired event for their community physicians. They focused on a few elements from the Power 9: plant slant appetizers, wine at 5 and positive pack. This event provided employees with the opportunity to connect with one another while eating some delicious appetizers straight from the Blue Zones Cookbook thanks to Nutrition Services. Thank you, Montage, for all that you do to support Blue Zones Project and your employees.
CCVNA RealAge Test Lunch & Learn
This month CCVNA hosted a Lunch & Learn for their staff at the Salinas office to take the RealAge test. The staff decided on a salad potluck for their lunch and got to learn tips and tricks to support their wellbeing. They work hard to take this test on a yearly basis to see how their health has changed, and everyone left pleasantly surprised that their RealAge is younger than their chronological age!
Salinas Union High School District
The Salinas Union High School District Human Resources Department staff took the RealAge Test this month and discovered their 'real age' based on daily habits. After taking the test, they were able to learn how their lifestyle choices help them stay younger - or age faster- than their calendar age. Let's continue leading the way to a community that's healthier, happier and younger than our years.
Discover your RealAge®
What is the RealAge® Test? It is how old your body really thinks you are based on your health such as lifestyle, genetics, and medical history. Up to 70% of overall health depends on how well you take of yourself, so you have influence over how you are! Employees will then have the option to access a free and personalized online resource to help them make healthy changes. The Sharecare RealAge® Test app and desktop options provide bilingual resources for employees. Our goal is to help make your RealAge® younger!
Discover your RealAge®: https://bzpmontereycounty.sharecare.com/
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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May 2023
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa Worksite Approval Celebration
This month Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa celebrated becoming Blue Zones Project Approved. The wellness team went above and beyond to plan a Wellness Carnival. They provided a mock downshift lounge to showcase what will be available for their employees, provided wellness resources for their employees, and created opportunities for their employees to practice moving naturally. Almost every employee was hula-hooping or doing push-ups at this station of the carnival. Lastly, the chef prepared delicious and beautiful plant-based food selections for the employees to try. Congratulations, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa!
Braga Fresh Lunch & Learn
This month Braga Fresh Foods hosted a Real Age Test Lunch & Learn for their staff. They had a great time discovering what their body’s age is compared to their biological age and eagerly sharing how young they were. They also served a delicious BZP inspired lunch with their products to show how easy it is to create healthy options.
Wald Ruhnke & Dost Lunch & Learn
This month Wald Ruhnke & Dost hosted a Lunch & Learn for their staff. The staff learned more about Blue Zones Project through a Story Speech. They were able to get together, eat some healthy food, and learn more about the role they are playing in helping the community.
Valley Farm Management & CRU Winery Hike and Wine
This month Valley Farm Management & CRU Winery hosted the first in a new monthly Summer Series of Hike and Wine days at their Soledad vineyard and tasting room. The event was very well attended by adults, kids, and even fur hikers! Many of the participants also joined in on the Real Age Test Campaign.
Discover your RealAge®
What is the RealAge® Test? It is how old your body really thinks you are based on your health such as lifestyle, genetics, and medical history. Up to 70% of overall health depends on how well you take of yourself, so you have influence over how you are! Employees will then have the option to access a free and personalized online resource to help them make healthy changes. The Sharecare RealAge® Test app and desktop options provide bilingual resources for employees. Our goal is to help make your RealAge® younger!
Discover your RealAge®: https://bzpmontereycounty.sharecare.com/
For more information: https://montereycounty.bluezonesproject.com/
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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April 2023
Salinas Family YMCA Zumba
Connecting where people live, work and play is referred to as the Life Radius and last month we saw it happen with an approved worksite and organization. Salinas Family YMCA in collaboration with Salinas Soccer Complex hosted their first community event by offering a free Zumba class. From individuals doing Zumba for the first time to regulars the class was filled with lots of fun! Everyone connected and moved naturally! We can’t wait for the next one!
Carmel Valley Manor Team Participation at Big Sur International Marathon
Congratulations to Carmel Valley Manor Staff for their participation in the Big Sur International Marathon on Sunday, April 30th! They had a total of 17 participate by either running in the 5k or 12k and other CVM members cheering them on. We loved that Blue Zones Project Monterey County logo was on ont heir swag. Way to go Carmel Valley Manor by going the extra “miles”! #movenaturally #connect
Purpose Workshop held at Hartnell King City Learning Center
On April 24th, Hartnell King City Learning Center hosted a Purpose Workshop that was very well attended. Over 20 students and staff participated! In fact, it was so well received that subsequent sessions are already in the works!
South County OutReach Efforts Council (S.C.O.R.E.)
The South County Blue Zones team was invited to attend and participate in this collaborative council of non profit agencies and organizations. The aim is to increase collaboration, cooperation, and access to resources to South County residents. In subsequent meetings, Blue Zones Project will be a guest speaker to elaborate on how engage in the community.
Hike and Wine event at CRU winery!
Valley Farm Management will be hosting a Hike and Wine event in partnership with CRU winery. The event will take place Sunday May 21st at 10 am at the CRU/Paraiso Vineyards property and is open to the public (kid and pet friendly event). Future events are in the work, including charcuterie classes and cooking demonstrations, to take advantage of this breathtaking location overlooking the Salinas Valley.
Calling all worksites!
Join us for the RealAge Test survey taking place in Monterey County in support of informing the primary areas of focus in community well-being. A worksite environment that supports well-being benefits is making an investment in their employees’ health. Improving employee well-being reduces health care costs, raises productivity and increases your employee engagement. Through Blue Zones Project, worksites can use the RealAge Test to measure and track changes in workforce well-being over time. Employers with a minimum of 25 completed surveys receive a confidential aggregate report on workforce health conditions, risks and behaviors, as well as employee physical, social, purpose, community and financial well-being. Insights in well-being can inform your prevention strategies and support your Blue Zones Project alignment. Let’s us help you create a strategy for success in creating an effective well-being survey.
For more information: bzpmontereyco@gmail.com
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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March 2023
Worksite Approval
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa - Blue Zones Project Monterey County is committed to supporting worksite in establishing best practices to support creating a sustainable environment of well-being. A key best practice in prevention is worksite wellness programming that includes health fairs and biometric screenings. In March, Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa hosted a health fair for their team. The health fair included mindfulness practices, Employee Assistance Program benefit information, Blue Zones inspired foods and biometrics screenings offered by Montage Health. Creating a space for employees to connect and learn more about how to be empowered in their wellbeing shows a true investment in people and culture. To learn more about how to implement this best practice at your worksite reach out to your team at Blue Zones Project Monterey County.
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay is the first dual Blue Zones Project approval in Monterey County
The Portola Hotel & Spa is a Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite and Jack’s Monterey, and Peter B’s Brewpub are Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurants. Their commitment in creating an environment of well-being to support the Life Radius, where people live, work and play, affecting their employees, customers and residents is commendable. Portola Hotel & Spa’s participation with The Blue Zones Project was a natural fit for the AAA Four Diamond and US Green Building Council LEED Certified® hotel. “We strive to enhance our guests experience and explore opportunities and programs that benefit our staff. Following the progress and impact of The Blues Zones Project in our community led to conversations and a team commitment to certify the hotel,” said Janine Chicourrat, Managing Director, Portola Hotel & Spa.
Pacific Valley Bank celebrated this month their worksite approval for their 2nd location in Salinas! They join a total of 48 Approved Worksites in Monterey County. It was a roomful filled with excitement followed by a delicious lunch. Congratulations Pacific Valley Bank!
This month, Salinas Union Hight School District hosted a Healthy Charcuterie Board and Wine @ 5 Mixer for their HR Department. Staff learned the nutritional benefits of items on their charcuterie board and how to make Olive Tapenade. It was a great way to connect and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!
Planning social gatherings for your employees outside of work is one of the best ways to encourage a healthy work environment where teamwork thrives, and employees feel valued and connected. The better your employees know one another, the more productive they will be in the workplace.
We can’t wait to see them become worksite approved!
El Susto Documentary Screening and Resource Fair: Big Thank You to Braga Fresh Gonzales and Taylor Farms Gonzales for their participation and support in this event. Attendees were very happy to receive so many fresh and local healthy treats. The event was very well received and well attended, despite the rainy weather.
Salinas Family YMCA Healthy Kids Day. Please join Salinas Family YMCA as they host their Annual Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 29th from 10:00am to 1:00 pm, located at 117 Clay Street. As a leading voice for health and well-being, they work towards bringing children and families together to have fun, be healthy, and grow together. Please come out and support a great family event that represents the Power 9: move naturally, eat wisely, belong: loved ones first.
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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February 2023
Worksite Approval
Congratulations to Pacific Valley Bank Corporate Office for reaching BZP Worksite Approval! This is their second worksite to reach BZP Worksite Approval in Salinas! Pacific Valley Bank is a community bank created in 2004 to help the local economy thrive in serving throughout Monterey County. As a community bank they are committed to contributing to a successful community and raising the standard of living of all its members. This is why it was very important for them to provide the same standards for their employees by implementing worksite transformations that demonstrated their commitment to improve health and wellbeing at their branch and corporate office in Salinas. A few best practices implemented are to support ongoing micro-breaks every hour, created an employee garden, implementation of an employee-led well-being advisory committee, and created a safe walking route which kicked off with a walking moai. Congratulations Pacific Valley Bank Corporate Office!
Health Fair and Biometric Screening at Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa held an incredible health and wellness fair along with a biometric screening for all their employees. Blue Zones Project Monterey County Sponsor Montage Health provided the biometric screening. Employees had the chance to connect with Blue Zones Project, sign up for a CSA box, receive a free massage, partake in mindful meditation, and enjoy delicious plant-based food. The senior leadership at the Monterey Plaza Hotel takes their employees’ health and well-being seriously and the wellness fair was a clear indication! We look forward to celebrating their approval as a Blue Zones Project worksite soon!
Salinas Family YMCA Healthy Kids Day
Salinas Family YMCA will be hosting their Annual Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 29th from 10:00am to 1:00 pm, located at 117 Clay Street. As a leading voice for health and well-being, they work towards bringing children and families together to have fun, be healthy, and grow together. Please come out and support a great family event that represents the Power 9: move naturally, eat wisely, belong: loved ones first.
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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January 2023
Worksite Approval
Blue Zones Project is excited to welcome Valley Farm Management, the 2nd BZP Approved Worksite in Soledad! Valley Farm Management is a full-service vineyard management company that specializes in growing and harvesting premium quality grapes in the Santa Lucia Highlands and around Monterey County. Not only do they take pride in caring for grapes, but they are committed in taking care of their team and their families. Nothing is more important for Valley Farm Management then to have a happy and healthy employee to be a part of the VFM Family for decades. They implemented several worksite transformations that demonstrated their commitment to improve health and well-being for their employees such as a designated a space for employees to downshift, ensuring at least 50% of food and beverage options meet the BZ food guidelines, implement and support ongoing microbreaks for administrative staff and ranch staff and offer opportunities for staff to connect and engage in health-related activities. Congratulations Valley Farm Management!
Congratulations to Doctors on Duty for approving all three of their Peninsula locations! The clinics located in Monterey, Seaside and Marina are all approved worksite locations. They are the first urgent care clinics to be approved by Blue Zones Project – Monterey County.
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December 2022
We Are Hiring!
Relationship Consultant: https://bit.ly/BZPMCHiringRC
Worksite Approval
Congratulations to Salinas Family YMCA for their worksite approval celebration! They join 27 BZP Approved Worksites in our Salinas Project. As an organization committed to creating a healthier community through their programs and provide support to live a healthy lifestyle, Salinas Family YMCA worksite approval illustrated it was equally important for them to do the same for their employees, staff & volunteers. They implemented a number of worksite transformations that demonstrated their commitment to improve health and wellbeing for their employees, staff & volunteers. The celebration kicked off with a Senior Fit and Zumba Class open to the community to participate in a free class and Casa del Sazon, one of our most recent BZ Approved Restaurants in Salinas, served samples of their BZP Inspired dishes. It was such an energetic, fun celebration. Congratulations Salinas Family YMCA!
Worksite Mixer
Blue Zones Project Monterey County hosted a fabulous holiday mixer at our headquarters in downtown Salinas. It was a great opportunity to connect with our worksite sector committee members and engage with worksites both approved and pursuing approval. We look forward to hosting more in-person worksite committee events in 2023!
Salinas Union High School District HR Retreat
Salinas Union High School District recently registered as a worksite and Blue Zones Project had the opportunity present at their Human Resources retreat. It was a great way to engage with staff and brainstorm new ideas for 2023. They are ready to create a healthier, more productive workplace.
Yoga, Wine and Wellness at Montage Health
Montage Health collab with BZP - we will share images soon!
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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November 2022
Blue Zones Project Approved Worksites
Congratulations to Central Coast YMCA Salinas in achieving Blue Zones Project worksite approval! Central Coast YMCA established an environment that support healthy behaviors by offering programs to improve health in our community and committed to prioritize employee’s health and well-being by creating an environment that supports healthy habits. To have employees have a full understanding and utilization of their healthcare benefits was a priority. The encouraged by ensuring that 50% of healthier options are offered in vending machines, encourage microbreaks and to move naturally by adding steps with implementing five (5) BZP parking spaces were added. They also created a beautiful employee garden and a safe walking route.
Congratulations to Monterey Signs on becoming a Blue Zones Project approved worksite! Monterey Signs is committed to employee wellness and creating a culture of well-being in Seaside and Monterey County. From growing an employee garden, to creating a tuition reimbursement program, the team at Monterey Signs are walking the walk.
We are thrilled to announce that Doctors on Duty’s Lighthouse Avenue location in Monterey is the first outpatient medical clinic to be a Blue Zones Project approved worksite! The team has quickly adopted Blue Zones attitudes and has come out as strong participants in our volunteer activities, helping at beach and park clean-ups. We are excited to help them achieve their vision of transforming all their locations in Monterey County into BZP approved worksites!
Wine @ 5 Mixer
Blue Zones Project Monterey County and La Casa del Sazón in Salinas hosted a food tasting experience in November for Salinas City Elementary School District Administration. It was a great opportunity for staff to connect and see how their schools can becoming Blue Zones Project School Approved. They also got the chance to try La Casa del Sazón new plant-based menu.
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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October 2022
Blue Zones Project Approved Worksites
Greenfield Unified School District Office celebrated their worksite approval as the 1st approved worksite in the City of Greenfield and the 4th Approved worksite in our county-wide Project. They are the first school district in Monterey County to have all Schools in the District Approved and the District Office Approved! Their approval celebration was tied in with their Parent Academy Fun Run, demonstrating their commitment cascades to the school site, creating a sustainable environment of well-being for students and their families. Congratulations Greenfield Union School District!
Congratulations to Leavitt Central Coast Insurance Services for their worksite approval celebration! They join 26 BZP Approved Worksite in our Salinas Project. Having Leavitt Central Coast Insurance Services become an approved worksite illustrates their role in serving as leaders in the community by helping make the healthy choice the easy choice for their employees and sharing their passion with their customers.
After diligent effort and commitment, we are thrilled to announce that the Portola Hotel & Spa is the first hotel to be approved as a worksite in Monterey County! Their dedication to wellness and sustainable practices is commendable and we are so proud of the work that accomplished to meet approval. Congratulations to their team – we look forward to holding an approval celebration soon!
BZP Worksite Well-being Monterey Summit
On Wednesday October 19th, Blue Zones Project Monterey County held its first in-person Worksite Well-being Summit since 2020! Nadine Burke of the Monterey Fuel Company and Dr. Casey Grover of the Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula were our guest speakers, both members of our Worksite Sector Committee and representatives of approved worksites. We had great participation and provided our attendees with wine and plant-based appetizers from Blue Zones Project approved restaurant in Monterey – Zab Zab Thai.
City of Soledad Wellness Event
On October 19th the City of Soledad, Montage Health and the Blue Zones Project hosted a wellness event and provided free biometric screening to all City of Soledad employees.
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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September 2022
BZP Worksite Well-being Summit
In October, we invite new worksites to attend our Worksite Summit and learn how Blue Zones Project Monterey County can help build a more engaged and productive workforce. Register in the links below.
October 19 at 4pm – Monterey https://bit.ly/WorksiteSummitMont
October 26 at 4pm – King City https://bit.ly/WorksiteSummitKC
October 27 at 4pm – Gonzales https://bit.ly/WorksiteSummitGZ
Taylor Farms- Gonzales
Taylor Farms celebrated their 4th Worksite in Monterey County to achieve BZP Worksite Approval (9/7/22). Some implementations Taylor Farms did to name a few were, created an employee garden, quiet space and walking routes which allow employees to connect, relax during breaks and move naturally and encourage daily exercise. Congratulations, Taylor Farms!
Monterey County Hospitality Association Wellness Fair
The Monterey County Hospitality Association, Montage Health and the Blue Zones Project hosted a wellness fair (9/7/22) and provided free biometric screening to all MCHA members.
Dole Health Fair
Dole hosted their annual health fair (9/21/22) and was filled with health information, screenings, and community resources. Blue Zones Project Monterey County was in attendance, tabling to create awareness of resources that will encourage employees to make healthier choices and move naturally throughout their day.
Rancho Cielo Garden Workshop
In collaboration with Rancho Cielo a Garden Workshop (9/25/22) was offered to staff and community members. Participants had the opportunity to learn basic skills for gardening and how to grow their own salsa garden. At the end of the workshop, we enjoyed some fresh salsa and chips! Thank you, Rancho Cielo, for partnering with Blue Zones Project to host their first workshop open to the community.
MCOE Annual Health and Wellness Fair
Blue Zones Project Monterey County participated in Monterey County Office of Education annual health and wellness fair (9/29/22). It was a great opportunity to engage with staff and the community. We shared resources, upcoming events and participants were able to have fun with our spin art bike!
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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August 2022
Blue Zones Project Worksite Celebrations
City of King, City Hall
City of King celebrated their worksite approval on August 30th by having a BZP Inspired potluck. Before the certificate presentation took place, staff members shared their dishes with one another while watching City of King’s very own, Adriana Granados’ BZP influencer video. The video highlighted the healthy lifestyle changes Adriana has done to be in better health, which included staying active and walking. Congratulations City, of King!
Blue Zones Project Approved Worksites
Congratulations to Greenfield Union School District Office and Leavitt Central Coast Insurance Services for achieving Blue Zones Project worksite approval this month!
This milestone for Greenfield Union School District Office makes them the first city in all of Blue Zones Project Monterey County to have all schools in the District achieving Blue Zones Project school approval, and the District Office achieving worksite approval. This is a clear indication of the commitment of GUSD in creating an all-inclusive environment of sustainable well-being for students, family and staff. The District Office has established an environment that supports healthy behaviors by optimizing the physical environment and ensuring all staff understand, and utilize, their healthcare benefits. GUSD created a “downshift room”, a quiet space for staff to enjoy as a mindful practice.
The employees elected to support an outdoor garden, which includes birdhouses and feeders, which can also double as a place for the team to connect. The school and community spirit with GUSD is impressive. The promotion of Spirit wear” days, to employee gatherings to create connection and the Family Fun Run – as desired to create a sense of community and connection. The commitment that GUSD has in their collaboration with Blue Zones Project Monterey County aligns directly with their mission statement to be a national leader in education ensuring high levels of learning and success for all students. The consistent application of Blue Zones Project principles in schools and worksites ensures we are all working together to improve community well-being.
In working through the approval process, Leavitt Central Coast Insurance Services demonstrated how committed and passionate they are about prioritizing health and well-being for their employees. They focus on implementing best practices in their workplace to best support and encourage a healthy environment. An example of an implemented best practice was adding five (5) Blue Zones Parking spaces for employees to get additional steps in their day which aligns with one of our Power 9, Moving Naturally. Walking helps increase energy, cardio strength, and endurance. They prioritize in offering preventative and biometrics screenings to help employees maintain good health.
Leavitt Central Coast Insurance Services truly values the importance in having a work environment that builds teamwork and collaboration with having healthy relationships among co-workers, which is why it is important for their worksite to implement onsite activities and social gatherings, plus their support for employees to participate in volunteer activities individually and as a Team demonstrates their commitment to giving back to their community.
Blue Zones Project – Highlights/Events
Members of the hospitality community are encouraged to join us at the Portola Hotel & Spa on Wednesday September 7th from 12-4pm for a free biometric screening and wellness fair! Please register at the link and join us. https://mcha.net/events/wellness-fair-2/
King City Kickoff
King City Kickoff was a great success. Attendees browsed dozens of booths along downtown, participated in healthy activities and watched performances and learned ways to improve the quality and length of their lives. https://kingcityrustler.com/blue-zones-project-officially-launches-in-king-city/
Gonzales Kickoff
Gonzales Kickoff was enjoyed greatly by the community. The event provided attendees opportunities to see the Blue Zones Project, Power 9 Principals in action, allowing attendees to visualize the transformation they would like to see and be a part of, in their community. https://kingcityrustler.com/blue-zones-project-kicks-off-in-king-city-and-gonzales-this-month/
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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July 2022
Blue Zones Project Approved Worksites
Salinas City Elementary School District celebrated their worksite approval in June! They are the 2nd school district approved as a worksite in our Salinas project community and join our BZPMC family along with 50% of their schools approved. Congratulations to their district office for creating a healthy workplace for their employees, promoting a culture where the healthy choice is the easy choice. We are excited to continue working with them along with their Food Service and Transportation site who registered this month.
Congratulations to North Monterey County Unified School District for their recent worksite approval and celebration! NMCUSD is the 3rd school district approved as a worksite in our Salinas project community, joining 33 total approved worksites throughout Monterey County. In their pursuit of worksite approval, they promoted Community Support Agriculture programs at their district office, crafted a monthly wellness newsletter and a created a staff wellness website that both provide resources for employee well-being. We look forward to continuing to work with the schools in the North Monterey County Unified School District and sustaining well-being in their district!
Worksite Spotlight- Robert Cullen Farmers Insurance Team
Robert Cullen and his dedicated team (Raul, Lucio, Sal) met with our BZP Organizational Lead to discuss the upcoming King City Kickoff event. Robert Cullen will be leading our BZP worksite booth, and we are very grateful for their continued support and involvement in our project. (Fun Fact: Robert Cullen Farmers Insurance was an early adapter of BZP and was the first worksite to be Blue Zones Project Worksite Approved in King Cit, CA).
Blue Zones Project – Worksites and Volunteer Events
Doctors on Duty have come out in full force to support local Blue Zones Project volunteer events, from participating in a recent Purpose Workshop, to coming out strong at our recent Laguna Grande Park clean-up on June 26th. We would like to say, “thank you” and look forward to their worksite approval soon!
As a reminder, Blue Zones Project is always excited to put on a special event for your worksite – whether it’s a beach clean-up, a walking group, or a Purpose Workshop, we take joy and pride in connecting people together to Live Longer, Better.
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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June 2022
Blue Zones Project Approved Worksites
Congratulation to Salinas City Elementary School District for achieving Blue Zones Project worksite approval during the month of May! They have created a work atmosphere that inspires, encourages, and promotes well-being in the workplace. Some pledge items that were implemented include creating an employee garden, ensuring 50% of their beverage vending machines meets the Blue Zones Food Guidelines, and establishing a wellness committee. Continue the great work SCESD!
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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May 2022
Earth Day Beach Clean-up
Thanks to the Portola Hotel & Spa for coming out to support Earth Day! Along with Blue Zones Project, the Portola team were able to remove over 12 pounds worth of trash and recycling from Del Monte Beach. We can’t wait to finish approving them as a Blue Zones Project worksite!
Carmel Valley Manor
Engaging employees through the Live Longer, Better Rewards Program!
Carmel Valley Manor hosted a BZP inspired lunch with a farmers’ market to help create healthy options for their staff!
Story Speeches at Taylor Farms (Gonzales Plant)
On April 14th, Blue Zones Project was invited to Taylor Farms in Gonzales and gave multiple story speeches in Spanish to over 1,000 employees. This engagement opportunity resulted in a wonderful turn out, where over 700 employees signed the personal pledge. Employees took the personal pledge and promised to make a number of simple lifestyle changes that will improve their health and well-being.
Taylor Farms is doing a wonderful job implementing selected best practices in the Gonzales Plant, which included new carpool parking spaces, a garden area designed for staff to downshift and a refrigerator to provide salads and other healthy options to staff members. Taylor Farms is working towards making the healthy choice, the easy choice and on their way to becoming a Blue Zones Project worksite!
Your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
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April 2022
Monterey County Health Needs Collaborative
Six organizations are teaming up to address the major health needs of residents of the Monterey Bay and Salinas Valley regions. The newly formed Monterey County Health Needs Collaborative is a partnership between Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System, Mee Memorial Healthcare System, Natividad, the Monterey County Health Department, and United Way Monterey County. The Collaborative was formed to more effectively identify, address, and improve the health and well-being of the local community.
We want to hear from you. Please take our anonymous survey to help improve the health and well-being of our entire community.
Blue Zones Project Approved Worksites
This month we are extremely excited to celebrate the approvals of the Monterey Jet Center, Del Monte Aviation and Natividad!
The Monterey Jet Center and Del Monte Aviation are two fixed-base operators servicing aircraft arriving and departing Monterey. As sister worksites, each one made unique and clear commitments to pursue and achieve Blue Zones Project worksite approval. From growing employee gardens, to creating a walking path connecting the two worksites and holding an onsite biometric screening via Blue Zones Project Monterey County sponsor, Montage Health.
Natividad is a passionate adopter of Blue Zones Project and our third healthcare worksite to achieve worksite approval. It was evident they saw the benefits of this worksite designation and implemented several transformations such as adding eight Blue Zones Project parking spaces, creating a safe walking path within the hospital grounds, and integrating Blue Zones Projects initiatives within their employee orientations.
We applaud the tremendous efforts that the Monterey Jet Center, Del Monte Aviation and Natividad have implemented. Congratulations!
This Month’s Highlight Towards Approval
We are excited to highlight City of King who is working toward becoming a Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite. Every worksite is unique, and it takes creativity to find a way to incorporate best practices. In our work with the team in King City it is clear they are passionate about creating a sustainable environment of well-being for city staff. Recently, in reviewing the worksite pledge and discussing best practices, they elected to consider an employee garden. Employee gardens are a great way to incorporate physical activity, stress relieve and team bonding. The team in King City chose to create propagation stations as their garden. A fun, creative space for a worksite of any size!
If you would like to learn more, or want to register your business to become a Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite, please visit:
https://montereycounty.bluezonesproject.com/organization/signup-start.
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March 2022
Peninsula Cities
This month the Peninsula Cities team is excited to hold the Worksite Approval Celebration for Central Coast VNA & Hospice! One of the first worksites to be approved in Salinas, their Ryan Ranch location is now also a Blue Zones Project worksite. We are thrilled to be holding their celebration on March 4th, which will include the local Wild Plum Café food-truck.
Salinas
Blue Zones Project Monterey County would like to Congratulate Natividad Medical Center and D'Arrigo California for achieving Blue Zones Project Worksite Approval during the month of February!
As worksites they have both committed to creating an environment where their employees can feel connected to their colleagues and to help grow productivity with an engaged workforce.
Natividad is a hospital that provides high-quality health care in Monterey County and is dedicated to improving and inspiring healthy lives not just to our community but to their employees. They focus on implementing best practices in their workplace to best support their employees' environment and well-being. An example of an implemented best practice was adding eight (8) Blue Zones parking spaces for employees to get additional steps in their walk. It also helps promote one of our Power 9, Moving Naturally, and the benefits of walking such as increasing energy, cardio strength and endurance.
D'Arrigo California, a family-owned agriculture company that brings healthful products to our community, is very committed to helping their staff feel connected and engaged through implementation of their health and wellbeing programs, which includes workshops, employee luncheons and events, as well the importance of implementing plant base dishes by sharing recipes that includes their products and providing each month a selection of vegetables their employees can select from and share with their families.
If you would like to learn more, or want to register your business to become a Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite, please visit:
https://montereycounty.bluezonesproject.com/organization/signup-start.
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February 2022
Natividad Medical Center recently implemented eight Blue Zone Project Parking Spaces at their worksite. These parking space located farthest away from the entrance reminds employees that parking father away is one way to easily add more steps to their day. Even moderate daily physical activity, including walking, can reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Every step counts!
Monterey Jet Center recently has made tremendous progress towards Worksite Approval. Not only have they installed bike racks, created a raised bed garden, but they recently installed several custom Blue Zones Project parking spaces featuring a unique logo designed in collaboration with Signworks Monterey. We are so excited for them to achieve worksite approval and are looking forward to their Worksite Approval Celebration that will be held in March alongside a biometric screening for their employees, conducted by Montage Health.
Salinas City Elementary School District is well on their way in becoming worksite approved. Last month, they created a pervasive brand to use when communicating internally with their employees. SCESD is leading the way in promoting health awareness in their worksite!
If you would like to learn more, or want to register your business to become a Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite, please visit:
https://montereycounty.bluezonesproject.com/organization/signup-start.
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January 2022
December was a month of celebration and excitement for the Blue Zones Project as it represented a true expansion of our work. The Robert Cullen Farmers Insurance and Financial Services Agency, which we approved in November, held their approval celebration on December 7th. Not only was the King City Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture in attendance, but also current mayor Mike Lebarre was present and read a proclamation in support of Blue Zones Project Monterey County. Mayor Lebarre congratulated Robert Cullen Farmers Insurance on becoming the first business in King City to become an approved worksite.
December was also a banner month for Blue Zones Project Monterey County in the Peninsula Cities region as we approved our first worksite since expanding our project from Salinas. We are proud to announce that the Monterey location of the Central Coast Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice has been approved! They join the Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System and Taylor Farms as one of the few businesses to have multiple approved worksites throughout Monterey County. We can’t wait for more worksites to become approved in the Peninsula Cities region of Monterey, Seaside and Marina.
If you would like to learn more, or want to register your business to become a Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite, please visit:
https://montereycounty.bluezonesproject.com/organization/signup-start.
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December 2021
Blue Zones Project Monterey County would like to congratulate Taylor Farms Retail and Robert Cullen Farmers Insurance & Financial Services for achieving Blue Zones Project Worksite Approval during the month of November! Creating an environment where employees feel better and more connected to their colleagues grows productivity and creates a more engaged workforce.
Robert Cullen Farmers Insurance & Financial Services is our first Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite in the city of King. Their wellness committee is dedicated to implementing employee focused wellness initiatives and focuses on engaging staff and their families. By volunteering & supporting local sports, they make one of the Power 9's "Family First" a key priority.
Taylor Farms Retail commitment to engaging their employees with Blue Zones Project activities was demonstrated through their approval process in having over 45% of their employees participate in signing the pledge - over 530 of their employees have signed the pledge!
Register today to find out how your business can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite: https://bit.ly/3nx8fFD
The Blue Zones Project Peninsula Cities team was thrilled to participate at the Portola Hotel & Spa's recent Health and Wellness Fair on Wednesday, November 10th. The fair included biometric screenings provided by Montage Health and local personal training and wellness gym STRENGTH Monterey led the group in a stretch and movement break. We look forward to engaging more hospitality focused worksites in the near future!
In the photo below, Casey from STRENGTH Monterey leads the room in a series of gentle stretches.
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October 2021
Making the commitment to become a Blue Zones Project approved worksite shows a dedication to creating an environment of well-being for your staff. Just as important as creating the environment, is sustaining it! In our work with worksites, our goal is to assist with an environmental assessment to understand what is currently taking place so we can ensure policy and practice are aligned. Once we understand the current culture, we are then able to assist you in optimizing existing elements to begin establishing your culture of well-being. A key element to the success of creating and sustaining a culture that supports healthy behaviors is engaging your staff. We help identify opportunities for your staff to engage with Blue Zones Project with activities in alignment with the Power 9. Two of our recently approved worksites are truly emulating the “practice what you preach” concept as they continue to create opportunities for their staff to meaningfully engage in the Power 9.
Braga Fresh hosted their celebration event in October with a focus on Plant Slant and natural movement. Braga Fresh treated their team to plant based dished from Park Row Café and held a raffle for items that supported eating wisely and moving naturally.
Carmel Valley Manor is creating meaningful connections by holding events on campus that encourage social networking and team building. Recently they held a wreath making social event, along with lunch and learn events and campus clean ups.
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September 2021
Last month, together with Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System and Local Urban Gardeners, we were able to help make a difference at Natividad Creek Park in Salinas! About 40 people helped beautify the park, pick up trash, weed the community garden designed to increase the availability of fresh, organically grown vegetables and healthy food options for the community. Volunteers sanded and painted the stumps to create a space for everyone to gather and enjoy.
Reach out to us if you’re interested in creating your own worksite volunteer day!
On September 22nd, the Blue Zones Project was excited to participate in the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa’s Employee Wellness Fair! Alongside other local wellness enthusiasts like the Monterey Sports Center, Adventures by the Sea, and one of our sponsors Montage Health, we were able to engage with staff, educate them about our work in the Peninsula Cities and help them live longer, better by signing the Blue Zones Personal Pledge. We are excited to continue our work with the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa as a worksite!
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August 2021
The Blue Zones Project Monterey County team would like to congratulate the Alisal Union School District, Carmel Valley Manor and Braga Fresh Family Farms for all achieving Blue Zones Project approval during the month of August! Improving the overall health and well-being of your worksite is a straightforward process, but it is made even easier when you work with passionate and committed leaders like the ones at these worksites. Alisal Union School District developed a dedicated worksite wellness committee that despite the statewide shutdown, continued to meet during COVID and share Blue Zones Project updates with their entire faculty and staff. Carmel Valley Manor held a Farmer’s Market just for their staff and optimized their employee garden - these changes will enable their staff to eat wisely and get more immediate access to fresh fruit and vegetables. Braga Fresh Family Farms put family first by emphasizing their many family focused events such as their July 4th celebration, Pumpkin Patch event and holiday celebrations – after a year of social isolation, providing opportunities for families to connect is huge!
If you’re interested in learning more about the worksite approval process, and how you can build a more productive and engaged workforce, we invite you to join us at our upcoming Worksite Summit on September 21st and 28th.
July 2021
Summer fun grows in July for Worksites with their participation in Pledge-a-Palooza. Selected worksites were challenged to double their total engagement with employees by signing the personal pledge. Congratulations to Salinas City Elementary School District for taking the lead and getting awarded a Gift Certificate valued at $200 to a BZP Approved Restaurant, Gordon’s Café and Catering. We would also like to Congratulate Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation in becoming our newest Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite! Their commitment in helping their staff and surrounding neighbors feel more connected was their priority. As a non-profit organization they implemented a shared community space to bring other local non-profits and organizations together in a common area for workshops, events, and meetings. What a great example of the Power 9 to Connect with our Community! Sharing a parking lot with other businesses did not prevent them to install a BZP Parking space. Their BZP parking space is shared and used as a tool for others to learn more about the Blue Zones Project. Worksites are working towards inspiring positive change and connectiveness for their workforce to thrive in the community.
For more information, please contact Maribel Roque, Org. Lead, Worksites (Salinas): maribel.roque@sharecare.com
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July 2021
Congratulations to worksites Rancho Cielo and the Transportation Agency for Monterey County for achieving Blue Zones Project approval during the month of June! The leadership and staff have shown an incredible dedication and commitment to making the healthy choice the easy choice. Through implementing evidence-based best practices, the workplace environments have been optimized to best support the physical, social, and emotional wellbeing of their workforce. Rancho Cielo developed two walking path options that allow for natural movement. This encourages staff to be more active and can lead to higher levels of engagement and productivity. Transportation Agency for Monterey County created a relaxing downshift space where staff can have quiet time, meditate, or engage in prayer. Having a calm and private space for staff promotes time to de-stress and supports mental health. The efforts put in by both worksites aids in making our community happier and healthier!
Your worksite can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite!
For more information, please contact Maribel Roque, Org. Lead, Worksites (Salinas): maribel.roque@sharecare.com
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June 2021
Many organizational leaders today are eagerly talking about returning their work back to "normal." There are five main drivers of organizational culture that collectively shape how employees conduct themselves, make decisions and accomplish their work. Read More
For more information, please contact Alexs Diaz-Infante, Org Lead, Worksites (Salinas): alexis.diazinfante@sharecare.com, Maribel Roque, Org. Lead, Worksites (Salinas): maribel.roque@sharecare.com, Karissa Lopez, Org. Lead, Worksites (Peninsula Cities): karissa.lopez@sharecare.com, Paul Ligorski, Org. Lead, Worksites (Peninsula Cities): paul.ligorski@sharecare.com, Stephanie Sorensen, Org Lead, Worksites (County): stephanie.sorensen@sharecare.com
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April 2021
Spring is in the air! With the longer and warmer days, we are more increasingly able to enjoy the natural environment around us. Take time to introduce natural movement into your day by encouraging a walking meeting at your worksite or join your next virtual meeting while on an outdoor walk. https://info.bluezonesproject.com/healthier-at-home-move-naturally
For more information, please contact Alexs Diaz-Infante, Org Lead, Worksites (Salinas): alexis.diazinfante@sharecare.com, Maribel Roque, Org. Lead, Worksites (Salinas): maribel.roque@sharecare.com, Karissa Lopez, Org. Lead, Worksites (Peninsula Cities): karissa.lopez@sharecare.com, Paul Ligorski, Org. Lead, Worksites (Peninsula Cities): paul.ligorski@sharecare.com, Stephanie Sorensen, Org Lead, Worksites (County): stephanie.sorensen@sharecare.com
