On July 13, Synergy Elite Medical became a Blue Zones Project Recognized Organization. As a concierge medical practice, Synergy Elite Medical recognizes the importance of helping spread well-being throughout Southwest Florida. The company has worked to expand its philosophy on wellness by implementing Blue Zones Project princples and creating Walking Moais^®, organizing book discussions, and implementing standing meetings among staff.

“As a health- and wellness-oriented company, Synergy Elite Medical recognizes the importance of promoting proper nutrition and exercise to those who have chronic health issues,” said Greg Allen, executive director. “We hope to improve their medical conditions and quality of life, and Blue Zones Project Power 9 is a great way for them to get started.”

Waves of Wonder Montessori School became a Blue Zones Project Recognized Organization on July 28. Being involved in the Blue Zones Project has helped solidify and create awareness among the staff, parents and students of Waves of Wonder of the value created by our additional efforts in supplying and educating about healthy foods in our daily lives. 

“The Blue Zones Project recognizes and brings awareness to the benefits of healthy eating and the connection our food has to our daily lives and well-being. The Montessori Methodology strives to nurture a well-rounded individual, and healthy food is the best fuel for a developing child.” 

 Worksites

On July 29, The Department of Health in Collier County became a Blue Zones Project Approved™ Worksite. While the DOH-Collier had many wellness efforts in place, Blue Zones Project helped the department expand upon and improve existing well-being initiatives. The department worked diligently with vendors to provide healthier options in vending machines, formalize a breast-feeding policy for workers, and set up a worksite wellness committee to facilitate ongoing well-being practices. DOH staff members are also encouraged to take two 15-minute walking breaks each day. Some employees have formed Walking Moais^® or social walking groups, to encourage natural movement within the work day. 

“Becoming a Blue Zones Project Approved worksite is a huge win – times two,” said Stephanie Vick, DOH-Collier administrator. “Our department has expanded our participation with the State Surgeon General’s Healthiest Weight initiative, solidifying our community partnerships and mission. Also, our staff spends most waking hours in the workplace. We wanted to create an environment that can help staff make positive, lasting changes to their own health and well-being.”  

Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club became a Blue Zones Project Approved™ Worksite on July 22. “The mission of The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club’s is to be the best destination resort, where hospitality is a family tradition,” said Liana Newell, human resources manager. “Blue Zones Project aligns well with our mission since happy and healthy employees are the backbone of excellent customer service. Our team provides the best service all day, every day and Blue Zones Project has given our team the tools needed for optimal health and wellness, so that we all succeed on this journey together.”

The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club’s established a variety of wellness programs and initiatives for team members, including providing healthy choices in the employee cafeteria and vending machines, publishing walking routes and creating Blue Zones parking spaces in the employee parking lot to encourage walking.