To earn the designation of Blue Zones Project recognized, Camp Discovery Child Care Center is participating in monthly Moais^®, or social groups, with parents and students who walk together and share healthy behaviors. The organization also hosts plant-based cooking classes for students and staff to encourage healthy eating, while promoting less sugar-sweetened beverages at the school and healthier food options at all school events.

“Camp Discovery wanted to get involved in the Blue Zones Project to better our school and join the fight against childhood obesity,” said Catherine Breen-Thomas, director. “Our school is always looking for ways to take part in our local community, and Blue Zones Project fits in with our goal to raise healthy children.”

Camp Discovery Child Care Center is the first home-based childcare center to become a Blue Zones Project Recognized Organization.

“Camp Discovery Child Care Center has been working with parents and staff to create an even healthier environment for their young students,” said Alma McDermott, Blue Zones Project school coordinator. “We applaud what they’ve accomplished and what they will continue to do to improve the well-being of their students.”

On May 11, Gulfshore Concierge Medicine, a leading concierge practice founded by Dr. Eric Hochman, current president of the Collier County Medical Society, became the first Blue Zones Project Approved medical practice in Southwest Florida. 

The worksite approval underscores GCM’s focus on the whole patient and health and wellness, and aligns closely with the practice’s proprietary WellStrides™ Plan, a four step approach to optimizing health and maximizing longevity. GCM already had many healthy practices that their staff was adhering to, but to become Blue Zones Project Approved, GCM began offering healthy snacks and readily available healthy beverages to employees, holding walking staff meetings, hosting free yoga classes onsite and reminding staff to stand up and move around more frequently.

“We are thrilled to be paving the way to making Southwest Florida a healthier community,” said Hochman, who is triple board certified in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Rheumatology. “When individuals and businesses encourage healthy behaviors and focus on making healthy choices easier, a lifestyle shift will occur that will have a profound impact on Southwest Florida, as it has in other communities that have adopted Blue Zones Project. At GCM, we apply this concept of prevention daily, not only amongst the staff, but with our patients as well, by concentrating on their overall well-being – spending the time to truly care for them, rather than merely treat them, and providing unique and meticulous personalized care."

Coldwell Banker also joined the ranks by becoming the first local real estate organization to become recognized. Nancy MacDonald, managing broker, said changes in the offices are clear. “During our staff meetings, we have moved from serving only a calorie-laden, high carbohydrate pastry tray to also including a fruit platter as an option. Our snack selection now includes fruits and vegetables,” MacDonald said, noting changes on a personal level too. “One sales associate said she consciously looked for seedless grapes and other items which she would never have considered purchasing in the past.” Office workers have also started two Walking Moai groups that walk regularly around the block enjoying the Southwest Florida weather.

"Here at Edible Arrangements of Naples we are all about healthy snacking and gifting for everyone, everyw here, everyday.."

"We as a family here at Edible Arrangements of Naples have all committed to exchange an unhealthy snack for 1 healthy snack each day,” said Jennifer Palma, Edible Arrangements of Naples and Bonita owner. 

Senior Housing Solutions celebrated their ribbon cutting ceremony on May 23. "After learning more about the Blue Zones Project, I feel that the core principles are very similar to that of my organization in promoting successful aging...Living with a purpose, making healthy choices, staying physically and socially active and enjoying a community lifestyle."   "The more people can embrace these principles, the less likely they will need extended long term care as they age."  

"There are two areas that we will now implement as Blue Zones Project recognized organization. Providing healthy options at our seminars and promoting the Blue Zones Project at my educational seminars and networking events,” said, Bruce B Rosenblantt Senior Housing Solutions owner.