Our program featured Todd Nemura who is the Director of Community Transformations for Blue Zones Activate Easton. He is a board-certified lifestyle medicine professional. Todd adopted the Blue Zone lifestyle 8 years ago, so he was a natural fit when the Blue Zones Company decided to come to Easton. The Company’s mission is to empower everyone, everywhere to live better, longer.
It is often assumed that longevity is the ultimate goal for Blue Zones, but that is actually a side benefit. The real goal is years of productive, healthy, happy, pain free living. Originally there were 5 longevity hotspots identified in California, Costa Rica, Greece, Italy, and Japan. The newest addition is Singapore and is significant because it happened by design.
The culture in Blue Zones is similar even though they are spread around the globe. People tend to move naturally and get their exercise through daily life rather than pumping iron in the gym. They have a sense of purpose for their lives. Stress relief is natural and can be in the form of prayer, naps, or even happy hour. People don’t overeat and have their smallest meal in late afternoon or early evening. Moderate alcohol intake is common. They belong to faith- based communities. Family is a priority and grandparents often live nearby or in the family home.
The question is, can these aspects be applied to our community here in Easton? The Easton project is in the beginning of a 3-year activate plan to accelerate community endorsed change. Areas of focus include the “built environment” which concentrates on things like parks and recreation. Another focus is on food systems. The success of the plan will rest on community volunteers, community leadership committees, local, national, and global Blue Zone experts. The program is funded by four sponsors: Lehigh Valley Health Network, City Center Group, Leonard Parker Pool, and Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Two community meetings have been scheduled: Built Environment meeting on November 19 and a Food System meeting on November 20.
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