HAWI – With daily demands, heightened stress and longer hours at work, it’s no surprise that health issues and lower productivity at work have increased across the county over the past 10 years. Less time with family has also contributed
HAWI – With daily demands, heightened stress and longer hours at work, it’s no surprise that health issues and lower productivity at work have increased across the county over the past 10 years. Less time with family has also contributed to less balanced lifestyles.
To combat these issues and more, a healthy living initiative called Blue Zones Project was introduced in Hawaii in February 2015. North Hawaii was one of three demonstration communities selected in the state to implement the program. An innovative partnership between HMSA and Healthways, the movement is aimed at making healthy choices easier for residents at work, home and play.
On July 30, Blue Zones Project — North Hawaii is hosting a community celebration in North Kohala where residents can learn more.
The program originally launched last October with a kick-off event in Waimea. Blue Zones has hosted booths at two summer events in other parts of the region so far this year: Western Week in Honokaa and Waikoloa Village’s FunFest last month. There, residents have learned ways that they can improve their health and longevity.
The North Kohala event later this month will be held from 1-4 p.m. at the Hawi Jodo Mission Hall. Beginning with performances by Hula Halau O Manaolana O Kohala, Kumu Hope Keawe and John Keawe, Aikido of Kohala, Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko and local ukulele artist Brad Bordessa will also perform later in the day.
Throughout the afternoon, residents can find out more about Blue Zones community programs, workshops, group events and committees on which they can serve. A sign up sheet will be available for anyone interested in joining a new weekly walking group with other North Kohala community members.
Event activities will include a Zumba demonstration by Jessica Morgenstein, a KARES (Kohala Animal Relocation and Education Service) dog adoption booth and fresh smoothie samples created on the popular Blue Zones blender bike.
To offer tips on how eat healthier, Kahua Paa Mua will lead a cooking demonstration of green papaya/veggie salad with homemade dressing, baked salted kale and pipi kaula. Turmeric-Tulsi tea and farm fresh snacks will be provided by Hawaii Institute of Pacific Agriculture. Soil to Soul restaurateur and wellness coach Donna Maltz will lead a fermentation presentation on how to make the highest quality probiotics.
In the Kids’ Zone, children can play in the bounce house, participate in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts hands-on activities and games, and play with animals in the Kohala 4-H petting zoo.
“The purpose of these events is to allow residents to experience Blue Zones and see how they can be a part of this transformation in their own town making the healthy choice easy, where they live, work and play,” Sue Dela Cruz said, Blue Zones Project — North Hawaii’s engagement lead.
Blue Zones potluck groups have already been formed in Hawi and Waimea, and new groups will be created quarterly in each town in the region including Waikoloa Village and Honokaa.
Purpose workshops are offered throughout the region monthly, sharing with residents ways that they can identify their own personal talents and the next steps needed to utilize them.
Specific Blue Zones committees were created earlier this year comprised of local residents and leaders. Focuses include schools, businesses, grocery stores and restaurants, food alliance, policy and faith-based organizations. Residents who want to contribute ideas on how to make improvements in the community can join the groups at any time.
Blue Zones is looking for volunteers to help man the booths at the July 30 North Kohala community event. To sign up or for more information, contact Sue Dela Cruz at Susan.DelaCruz@healthways.com or call 564-4762.
Editor’s note: Fuller is a member of the Blue Zones – North Hawaii Leadership Committee.
