blue zones for a healthier FXBG

Blue Zones

a healthier FXBG looks blue

By erica terrini

Exercise and eat right. The bare bones concept of a healthy lifestyle can seem simple-but what happens when you throw in a job, transportation, kids, friends and family, medical concerns, and other considerations many of us must make? What happens when there just isn't enough time or resources available?

These are just some concerns of Laura Valero, FNP, of the Culpeper Walk-I In and Medical Clinic, and Lauren Bock, PA-C,

of Be Well Lifestyle Medicine and of Virginia Cardiology Consultants. Both medical professionals spoke at the Fredericksburg Food Co-o op last November about their hope to turn the city and its surrounding counties into a "blue zone" community-a concept that originated in 2004, when Dan Buettner worked with National Geographic to "identify pockets around the world where people lived measurably better, longer," according to the Blue Zone Project organization. According to Valero, the "Power 9" characteristics include: natural movement, a sense of purpose, stress management, mindful eating, adding more fruit & vegetables to diet, healthy, social consumption of alcohol, a sense of belonging, being surrounded by others who support positive behavior and

a family-first mindset.

"Some [blue zones] are in these nice, guarded spots in Italy, Greece, Japan, Costa Rica and here in the U.S. The question is what can we do to start bringing these principles here to the Fredericksburg area," Valero said.

While Fredericksburg ranks among Virginia counties in the high middle range for health outcomes, it still is in the lower middle range in terms of health factors, according to a 2021 County Health Rankings and Roadmaps report published by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.

"Each of the different 'blue zone' regions in the world that were identified have their own flavor but there have been nine shared distinctions among them," Valero said. Bock said Fredericksburg already has several projects that benefit healthier lifestyles but "when it comes to 'blue zones,' the next step is to take what we know of these communities and recreate that."

Solely looking at Fredericksburg and how "blue zone" projects could be implemented, both Bock and Valero said the concept is tangible but also a major undertaking.

In terms of funding and general process, Blue Zones Project organization officials would meet with city stakeholders to decide if residents are willing and ready to reshape the community.

If it is decided a community is ready to move forward, a site crew will meet with city planning officials and businesses to determine what projects will make the most impact.

Most funding is provided through large health insurance companies, Bock said, adding if becoming a "blue zone" community is not feasible, there is still an opportunity to socialize the idea and a small group of area supporters has already formed. Medical Professionals Lauren Block (left) & Laura Valero explains the core characteristics found in “Blue Zone” Communities at the FXBG Food CoOp

Toni Lipe, Fredericksburg Food Co-op board member, said "blue zones" represent "all our core values and integrates our operating principles as well. The co-op embraces healthy food, lifestyle, and community. I am personally happy to get this conversation started."

At this early stage, Bock said it is imperative to get more people "to see that 'blue zone' projects will help support other projects and ultimately pay for itself in health-saving costs for our generation and future generations."

"This could become a reality and a huge community benefit," Bock said. "If we make healthy choices the default, that is when people really start to change."

Blue Zones focus a community-w wide approach to well being by improving park & street designs, public policy & social involvement so that it is easy for people to make healthy choices For more information, visit the FXBG Blue Zone Facebook group , bluezones.com or contact Bock at pabock@bewellhealthva.com.

Erica Terrini is a local Freelance writer